Sustainable Development Goals at Baku State University.

A roundtable discussion entitled “Consequences of Urbanization: Environmental and Geological Challenges” was held within the framework of events dedicated to Science Day in Azerbaijan. The event was jointly organized by the Student Scientific Societies of the Faculties of Ecology and Soil Science and Geology at Baku State University.

Opening the event, Gismet Khanbabayev, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Soil Science and Real Estate Cadastre and PhD in Agricultural Sciences, emphasized that urbanization is expanding rapidly on a global scale and has multifaceted impacts on the natural environment. He noted that urban growth is often accompanied by challenges such as soil degradation, biodiversity loss, pollution of surface and groundwater resources, and the intensification of geodynamic processes. He also stressed the importance of sustainable urban planning and scientific approaches, highlighting the need to consider environmental and geological factors in an integrated manner throughout urban development processes.

Subsequently, Raul Imanov, Chair of the Student Scientific Society of the Faculty of Ecology and Soil Science, underlined the growing significance of urbanization as a topic on the international scientific agenda. He also highlighted the importance of the upcoming World Urban Forum 13 in addressing issues related to sustainable development, environmental safety in urban areas, and contemporary urbanization challenges. In his remarks, he encouraged students to follow international initiatives, stay informed about scientific developments, and actively engage in global discussions.

The roundtable featured extensive discussions on the topic, during which participants exchanged views on the interrelationship between the environmental and geological aspects of urbanization and received answers to their questions.

SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land)