The 11th Azerbaijan Youth Forum took place in Khankendi, bringing together young leaders, experts, and decision-makers from across the country. Nearly 400 participants, selected from thousands of applicants, joined the forum, showing just how much Azerbaijan’s youth care about shaping their future. From the very start, the energy in the room was palpable. Panels focused on urban development, education, skills, employment, and civic participation, but what made the sessions truly memorable were the young voices themselves. Their questions were sharp, thoughtful, and deeply rooted in real-life experiences—showing that they don’t just want to be heard for formality’s sake; they want to co-create solutions.
A highlight of the forum was the session on “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture: Youth Perspectives.” Addressing the group, Anna Soave, Head of Country Programme at UN-Habitat Azerbaijan, said: “The future of urban environments will be built by young people. We support the proposals put forward by the youth. Their perspectives are vital for creating more modern and comfortable cities. The forum provides an invaluable platform for them, and we are delighted to collaborate in their journey and wish them success.” Her words captured the spirit of the forum: youth are not just tomorrow’s leaders—they are partners today.
The discussion panel brought together Anar Valiyev, Sheyda Novruzzadah, Zeina ElZein, Gunay Imanzade moderated by Maleyka Taghizade, who shared inspiring insights on governance, urban innovation, culture, and youth-led initiatives. But it was the exchange with the young participants that truly stood out. Every question, every suggestion reflected real challenges and hopes for their cities, and the enthusiasm in the room was contagious.
Khankendi became more than a forum—it became a space for dialogue, creativity, and collaboration. Young people and decision-makers met on equal footing, exploring how to build inclusive, resilient, and people-centred cities together.
Through the lens of the Azerbaijan Urban Campaign 2026, the forum also connected to preparations for WUF13, showing that youth engagement isn’t just symbolic—it can shape national and urban policies in meaningful ways.
By the end, one thing was clear: young people want to act, to contribute, and to be taken seriously—and when they are, the future they imagine becomes possible.