Roundtable on Urban Planning and Children’s Rights Held in the Context of WUF13 16 February 2026 A roundtable dedicated to “Urban Planning and Children’s Rights: A Comprehensive Approach in the Context of WUF13” was jointly organized by the “Ümidli Gələcək” Social Initiatives Public Union and the Azerbaijan National NGO Forum. The event was held within the framework of the Azerbaijan Urban Campaign, initiated by UN-Habitat and the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture.
Anna Soave, Head of the Country Office of UN-Habitat, stressed the transition from “planning for children” to “planning with children,” underscoring participation as a foundation for long-term urban resilience. Discussions addressed the impact of urbanization on children’s rights, inclusive city policies, post-conflict reconstruction, accessibility for children with disabilities, green building standards, and the importance of public participation.
Participants agreed that child-friendly, human-centered urban planning must be integrated from the earliest stages of policy and design, strengthening cooperation between government institutions and civil society.
The event concluded with interactive exchanges and a shared commitment to advancing inclusive and sustainable urban development in Azerbaijan.