An international seminar and expert panel discussion entitled “Intra-urban mobility and sustainable mobility: Towards WUF13” was held at Azerbaijan Technical University (AzTU). The event was attended by Nijat Mammadli, Advisor to the Minister of Science and Education, Professor Ümit Kocabıçak, Chairman of the Higher Education Quality Council of Turkey (YÖKAK), Rectors of universities in Turkey and Uzbekistan, a professor from a Kazakh university, as well as representatives of 44 city and district executive authorities who are partners in the “Development of an intra-urban mobility plan” project.

The event was organized in connection with the holding of the 13th session of the United Nations World Urban Forum (WUF13) in our country.

The goal is to directly contribute to the development of intra-urban mobility plans, strengthening sustainable urban policies, and expanding scientific and research activities in higher education institutions in the context of holding WUF13 in our country.

The United Nations World Urban Forum (WUF13) is the world's largest international platform on urban planning and sustainable urban development, organized by the United Nations Habitat for Sustainable Development (UN-Habitat). The forum aims to share global experiences on improving the quality of life in cities, sustainable mobility, green infrastructure, digital transformation and urban policies.

One of the research studies contributing to this forum was carried out at AzTU. In 2022–2025, AzTU provided advisory services within the framework of the “Development of an Intra-Urban Mobility Plan” project together with the executive authorities of 44 partner cities and regions (Ganja, Sumgayit, Goygol, Shamkir, Agjabedi, Naftalan, Khachmaz, Tovuz, Yevlakh, Masalli, Bilasuvar, Mingachevir, Gusar, Shirvan, Guba, Goychay, Sheki, Lankaran, Balakan, Oguz, Hajigabul, Gobustan, Neftchala, Agstafa, Gakh, Lerik, Jalilabad (Goytepe), Agdash, Gazakh, Imishli, Dashkesan, Gabala, Samukh, Gadabay, Zagatala, Saatli, Goranboy, Salyan, Barda, Zardab, Siyazan, Tartar, Agsu, Shamakhi).

In their opening remarks, AzTU Rector Professor Vilayat Valiyev, Advisor to the Minister of Science and Education Nicat Mammadli, Chairman of the Higher Education Quality Council of Turkey (YÖKAK) Professor Ümit Kocabıçak, Sakarya University Rector Professor Hamza Al, Çankaya University Rector Professor Hadi Hakan Maraş, and Azerbaijan Land Transport Agency (AYNA) Automobile Transport Infrastructure and Expertise Department Director Mirhamid Bagirov spoke about the importance of the event. It was noted that the issues discussed at the event will contribute to the development of intra-urban mobility and strengthening of urbanization policy.

Then, a panel discussion was held on the topic of intra-urban mobility and sustainable development.

Professor Fuad Dashdemirov, Director of the Institute of Logistics and Transport of AzTU, delivered reports on “Intra-urban mobility plan: results, challenges and sustainable perspectives in the context of public transport, micro- and macromobility, in the context of WUF13”, Professor Mesut Duzgun, Head of the Department of Automotive Engineering of Gazi University, “Development of electric vehicles and necessary aspects of personnel training in the field”, Professor Daurenbek Ilesaliev, Rector of Tashkent Perfect University of Uzbekistan, “Modern transport model of the city of Gulustan: analysis, modeling and design solutions”, and Oyum Balabayev, Professor of the Department of Industrial Transport of Karaganda Technical University of Kazakhstan, “Monitoring of transport mobility in the Karaganda agglomeration region”.