On 8 December, ADA University – School of Design and Architecture hosted a session of its Design & Architecture Research Seminar Series at the ADA University campus, bringing together students, academics, and urban practitioners for an exchange on research, design, and global urban agendas. The seminar featured contributions from Deniz Ozge Aytac, Anna Soave (UN-Habitat), Melania Vicentini, and Dina Jovanovic Lombardo, who shared insights on architecture and urban research, innovation, and the role of design in shaping sustainable and inclusive cities. In her opening address, Anna Soave introduced the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) and outlined concrete opportunities for students and young professionals to engage, participate, and contribute to the Forum. The session highlighted how academic research and design practice can feed into global urban dialogue. Organized as part of the Azerbaijan Urban Campaign 2026, the seminar strengthened links between academia and the national WUF13 mobilisation process. It positioned students as key actors in advancing people-centred urban solutions and encouraged their active participation in campaign activities and WUF-related initiatives. Highlights from the seminar were shared through UN-Habitat’s Instagram, alongside a pre-event announcement by ADA University on LinkedIn and coverage on SCUPA’s Instagram, amplifying the campaign’s outreach to academic and professional communities. The event demonstrated how the Azerbaijan Urban Campaign is engaging universities and future urban leaders, ensuring that education, research, and innovation are firmly connected to Azerbaijan’s journey towards WUF13.