In Hamburg, Germany, within the framework of the “Urban Planning and Architecture Year,” the “III Forum of Azerbaijani Engineers Living in Europe” was held.
The forum was organized on the topic of “Smart City Technologies and Processes” with the support of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the organization of the Alliance of Azerbaijanis in Germany, News Cover reports, citing Azerbaijan's State Committee on Work with Diaspora.
The event brought together Azerbaijani engineers working in various European countries, architects, Azerbaijani and foreign urban planning specialists, as well as representatives of science and business. The main goal of the forum was to discuss innovative approaches in modern urban planning, share advanced international experience, and expand cooperation among Azerbaijani specialists living abroad.
The opening ceremony began with the national anthems of Azerbaijan and the Federal Republic of Germany, followed by a commemoration of the memory of those who sacrificed their lives for Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity.
Altay Rustamli, Chairman of the Board of the Alliance of Azerbaijanis in Germany, provided information on the results of previous forums and shared his views on future prospects. Elkhan Sadigzade, associate professor at Ruhr University, delivered a brief report on the main outcomes of the forums of Azerbaijani engineers living in Europe.
“The organization of forums for specialists working abroad in the same field has already become a tradition. The achievements show that such forums create unique and sustainable opportunities for knowledge and experience exchange,” said Fuad Muradov, Chairman of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora, during his speech.
He also provided extensive information on the committee’s strategic projects, noting that the activities of world Azerbaijanis are always in the focus of the Azerbaijani state, including President Ilham Aliyev.
In her speech, Rector of the Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction, Gulchohra Mammadova, noted that the forums are not only discussion platforms but also dynamic environments where intellectual discoveries and creative inspiration are formed.
Member of the Board of the Intellectual Property Agency Sanan Tapdigov and advisor of the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Germany Ruhlan Nabiyev expressed confidence in the forum’s successful prospects and presented proposals for deepening cooperation between Azerbaijani and foreign engineers.
Hundreds of specialists from 11 European countries and more than 40 cities in Germany attended the forum. A video presentation highlighting the history of engineering development and the achievements of previous forums was shown.
Participants were also informed about Azerbaijan’s urban planning and architecture projects, particularly the “smart city” and “smart village” concepts implemented in the liberated territories. Engineers exchanged views on digital transformation, sustainable urban development, the application of artificial intelligence in city management, energy efficiency, smart transport systems, and ecological solutions.
At the forum, Elkhan Richard Sadigzade, associate professor at Ruhr University and included in the list of the world’s top 2% scientists, was awarded the “For Services in Diaspora Activity” medal of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Moderated by Günay Mirzayeva, board member of the Alliance of Azerbaijanis in Germany and head of the Stuttgart Azerbaijani House, the forum continued with panel discussions, presentations, and networking sessions. Panels covered “Smart City and European Experience in Urban Planning” and “Future Cities: Construction, Digitalization and Sustainability.”
Guests also showed great interest in an exhibition of photographs of German monuments in Azerbaijan, displayed at the venue.
Within the forum, a Memorandum of Understanding on “Future Scientific Research and Studies” was signed between Brandenburg University of Technology and the Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction.
It is worth recalling that the first forum was held on June 22, 2024 in Berlin within the “Year of Solidarity for a Green World,” and the second forum took place on November 1, 2025 in Cologne within the “Year of Constitution and Sovereignty,” both playing an important role in shaping the continuity and principles of this initiative.
