Sustainable Development Goals at Baku State University.

An educational event and academic tour were organized in Icherisheher through the joint initiative of Baku State University (Baku State University), the “BSU Volunteers” organization, and the Icherisheher State Historical-Architectural Reserve Administration.

During the opening ceremony, Chairman of the Board of the Icherisheher State Historical-Architectural Reserve Administration, Rufat Mahmud, provided an overview of the historical significance of Icherisheher and ongoing efforts to preserve it as a living urban environment. He noted that Icherisheher is currently being developed under the “smart reserve” concept, with digital service management platforms, smart mobility solutions, and modern urban management systems implemented for residents and visitors.

The Chairman also highlighted the activities of the “Qoru” Youth Initiative Group and expressed confidence in future collaborative projects with the “BSU Volunteers” organization.

Rector of Baku State University, Elchin Babayev, emphasized the importance of cooperation between higher education institutions and cultural heritage organizations. He noted that the university provides professional training in fields such as museum studies, archival management, monument preservation, local studies, cadastre, geography, and urban planning. The rector also stressed the growing role of volunteerism at the university and reaffirmed BSU’s readiness to expand cooperation with the Reserve Administration in areas including professional training, volunteer engagement, and joint projects.

Following the official session, participants took part in a guided tour designed to introduce them to the historical and cultural heritage of Icherisheher. During the infotour, members of the university community explored the area’s historic urban planning characteristics and visited prominent landmarks, including the Maiden Tower, the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, the Double Gates, the Bukhara and Multani Caravanserais, and the Numismatics Exhibition.

Students received detailed information about the architectural features of these monuments, medieval urban planning principles, Azerbaijan’s rich heritage in this field, and the restoration and conservation projects currently being implemented within the historic district.

The program concluded with interactive discussions among university representatives, reserve officials, and students. Participants exchanged views on urban planning, architecture, cultural heritage preservation, and the role of such initiatives in strengthening young people’s academic outlook and civic engagement.

SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)