AZERBAIJAN AND KENYA FORGE PARTNERSHIP FOR SUSTAINABLE URBAN DEVELOPMENT

Azerbaijan and Kenya discuss sustainable urban development and eco-friendly housing, with Azerbaijan inviting Kenya to WUF13 in Baku, 2026.

Azerbaijan kenya urban cooperation Sustainable urban development Eco-friendly housing solutions

Azerbaijan and Kenya delegations
Azerbaijan and Kenya delegations
Azerbaijan and Kenya are laying the groundwork for a collaborative partnership focused on sustainable urban development, affordable housing, and eco-friendly cities. This initiative was highlighted during a bilateral meeting in Nairobi on May 29, 2025, between Anar Guliyev, Chairman of Azerbaijan’s State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture, and Alice Wahome, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Public Works, Housing, and Urban Development. The discussions, held ahead of the UN-Habitat Assembly at the United Nations Headquarters in Nairobi, centered on advancing green urban planning and addressing housing challenges through innovative, sustainable solutions.

Guliyev emphasized the productive nature of the talks, noting that both nations explored opportunities to enhance cooperation in creating inclusive, resilient, and environmentally sustainable urban spaces. Azerbaijan extended an invitation to Kenya to participate in the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), set to take place in Baku in 2026. This global platform, organized by UN-Habitat, will facilitate the exchange of best practices and innovative approaches to urban sustainability, with a focus on green and carbon-neutral urban development. Azerbaijan’s commitment to sustainable urbanization is evident in its ongoing efforts to rebuild conflict-affected areas like Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur, where green and smart city concepts are being prioritized.

Kenya, grappling with rapid urbanization and a housing deficit affecting over 65.6% of urban households, is actively pursuing eco-friendly housing solutions under its Vision 2030 and the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). These frameworks aim to deliver 250,000 affordable housing units annually while incorporating green technologies to reduce environmental impact. Initiatives like the Sustainable Urban Economic Development (SUED) program support intermediary cities in Kenya to develop climate-resilient infrastructure and foster green growth, aligning with Azerbaijan’s interest in sustainable urban models.

The collaboration could leverage Azerbaijan’s experience in smart city development, as outlined in its National Strategy for the Development of Information Society (2016-2020), which promotes green jobs and eco-products. Kenya’s expertise in community-led urban planning and nature-based solutions, such as multi-functional river parks and sustainable urban drainage systems, could complement Azerbaijan’s efforts. Posts on X reflect enthusiasm for this partnership, with users highlighting the potential for shared goals in creating inclusive and sustainable urban ecosystems.

This partnership marks a significant step toward addressing global urbanization challenges, aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 11 to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. By combining Azerbaijan’s innovative urban recovery strategies with Kenya’s focus on affordable and eco-friendly housing, both nations aim to create vibrant, sustainable urban futures.

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