Kiri

O ‘4, State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of The Republic ofAzerbaijan UN HAI3I f Baku, 18.08.2022 Hon. Riina Sikkut, Minister of Economic Affairs and lnfrastructure of the Republic of Estonia Dear Ms. Sikkut, The Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan has prioritized sustainable urban development as an enabier for national prosperity. In the context of the ongoing urban reconstruction and recovery efforts in the newly liberated areas in the economic regions of Karabakh and Eastem Zangazur, the government has embraced a green and carbon-neutral approach towards more inclusive, resilient, smart and sustainable urbanization. Azerbaijan National Urban Forum (NUFA) will be organized within the scope of the 2022 Urban October Celebrations; the 2022 Urban October opens wth World Habtat Day (WHD) on 3 October. Building on the WHD2O2I theme of accelerating urban action for a carbon-free world”, the WHD2022 will Iook at the probiem ofgrowing inequality and challenges in cities and human settlements. Recognizing that cities account for 70 percent of giobal carbon dioxide emissions with transport, buildings, energy, and waste management accounting for the bulk of urban greenhouse gas emissions, the NUFA will focus on leaving no one and no place behind in the Republic of Azerbaijan while embracing a resilient urban reconstruction and recovery approach. Moreover, it will ampiify The Giobal Race to Zero Campaign” and encourage local governments to develop actionable zero-carbon plans in the follow up to the international climate change summit C0P26 in November 2021 and in preparation of C0P27 explore the progress made in the Republic of Azerbaijan with regard to the crucial issue of climate finance. The NUFA wiIl explore the contribution of the national, regional and local governments and organizations, communities, academic institutions, the private sector and other relevant stakeholders in working together to create sustainable, carbon-neutral, inclusive cities and towns in the Republic of Azerbaijan, focusing on the urban recovery efforts the country is currently undergoing. In this context, it is our privilege to invite You to the upcoming lstAzerbaijan ft&4WP-tban MUNtKATSI00t4IM1NtSTEER1UM Forum (NUFA) to be held from 5 to 6 October 2022. It is the first non-legislative nonffd by the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, bringing together a wide range of urban stakeholders and participants in the City ofAdam and Baku to discuss emerging key urban challenges in the Republic of Azerbaijan and show-case international experiences in the related field. Given importance of the post-conflict reconstruction and rehabilitation, including the post-conflict recovery, lst Azerbaijan National Urban Forum will be focusing on harnessing potential of the Sustainable Development Goals and the New Urban Agenda in rebuilding Iivelihoods and returning life to the territories affected by natural and man- made emergencies. We are confident that NUFA wiII present a unique opportunity for international and multi stakehoider cooperation for urban recovery and oifer the platform for exchanging knowledge and experience while identifying obstacles and discussing solutions for urban crisis. We also hope it wiIl enable Azerbaijan to share its experience in applying the most advanced and innovative urban development solutions for urban recovery. Additional information on the NUFA, including the draft Agenda and timetables for speaking slots wiIl be available on the official website of the event at https://nufa.az. We count on your valuable contribution in the event. We would be grateful for you confirming your attendance and expression of your interest, in case of your desire to make a presentation as well on the relevant topics according to the draft Agenda (attached) until 5 September 2022. AlI the expenses, including flight costs, accommodation and in-country travel expenses wilI be covered by the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Should you require any further information, please contact us by e-mails at kamran.sadikhliarxkom.gov.az and jamiIa.ismayilovaarxkom.gov.az with copies to officearxkom.gov.az. We look forward to welcoming You and your delegation to NUFA in the Republic ofAzerbaijan. Please accept the assurances of our highest consideration. Anar Guliyev Maimunah Mohd Sharif Chairman of the’State Commi on Under-Secretary-General Urban Planning and Architecture of Director, UN-Habitat the Republic ofAzerbaijan