Sustainable Development Goals at Baku State University.

The opening ceremony of the “5 Days Urban Weeks” project was held through the joint initiative of the Faculty of Ecology and Soil Science and the Student Youth Organization at Baku State University (BSU).

Head of the University’s Department for Humanities and Youth Policy, Ramin Samadov, stated that the project plays an important role in increasing students’ interest in urban environments, urban development processes, and modern approaches. He noted that within the framework of the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture,” various awareness-raising events, seminars, and discussions are being organized at BSU, and this project serves as a successful continuation of these efforts. Such initiatives, aimed at developing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, are consistently supported by the University.

Program Manager of the Azerbaijan Student Youth Organizations Union, Bakhtiyar Guluzade, emphasized that the project is not a random initiative but part of a growing national focus on sustainable and safe urban development. He highlighted that Baku hosting the prestigious World Urban Forum 13 this year has further increased interest in this field. The Forum is expected to bring together thousands of participants from around the world, creating a platform for global discussions on the future of cities, sustainable development, and living environments.

Chairman of the BSU Student Youth Organization, Harun Mehdiyev, noted that the main goal of the “5 Days Urban Weeks” project is to enhance students’ awareness of urban planning and urban environments, while developing their knowledge and skills in this area. He added that the events organized within the project will provide participants with broad insights into modern urban approaches, sustainable development principles, and innovative urban solutions. The initiative is implemented in line with the University’s action plan for the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” and aims to ensure active student engagement.

Senior lecturers of the Departments of Soil Science and Real Estate Cadastre, and Bioecology, Gismet Khanbabayev and Gunel Sariyeva, emphasized that urbanization is one of the key processes shaping the development dynamics of modern cities. They noted that this process goes beyond population concentration in cities and also involves the transformation of social relations, economic activities, and cultural environments. Proper urban planning approaches, they stressed, play a crucial role in ensuring sustainable development, maintaining ecological balance, and enhancing the functionality of urban spaces.

The event concluded with the screening of a video presentation on urbanization.

SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)