The Third Forum of Azerbaijani Engineers Living in Europe was held in Hamburg, Germany, as part of the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture.” The forum was organized under the theme “Smart City Technology and Processes” by the Alliance of Azerbaijanis in Germany with the support of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The event was attended by Azerbaijani engineers, architects, urban planning specialists, and foreign experts, as well as academics and business representatives from various European countries. The main aim of the forum was to discuss innovative approaches in modern urban planning, share advanced international experience, and expand cooperation among Azerbaijani professionals living abroad.

The opening ceremony began with the national anthems of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Federal Republic of Germany, followed by a moment of remembrance in honour of those who sacrificed their lives for the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.

Altay Rustamli, Chairman of the Board of the Alliance of Azerbaijanis in Germany, provided information on the outcomes of the previous forums and shared his views on future prospects. Professor Elkhan Sadiqzadeh, Associate Professor at Ruhr University in Germany, delivered a brief presentation on the key results of the Forums of Azerbaijani Engineers Living in Europe.

“Organizing forums that bring together professionals living abroad and representing the same field has already become a tradition. The achievements attained so far demonstrate that such forums create unique and sustainable opportunities for the exchange of knowledge and experience,” said Fuad Muradov, Chairman of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora, during his address.

The Chairman also provided detailed information about the Committee’s strategic projects, noting that the activities of Azerbaijanis around the world remain a constant focus of attention for the Azerbaijani state, including President Ilham Aliyev.

In her speech, Gulchohra Mammadova, Rector of Azerbaijan Architecture and Construction University, emphasized that these forums serve not only as platforms for discussion but also as dynamic environments where intellectual discoveries and creative inspiration take shape.

Sanan Tapdigov, Member of the Board of the Intellectual Property Agency, and Ruhlan Nabiyev, Counselor at the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Federal Republic of Germany, expressed confidence in the forum’s promising future and presented proposals aimed at strengthening cooperation between Azerbaijani and foreign engineers.

The forum was attended by hundreds of specialists from 11 European countries and more than 40 cities across Germany. A video presentation highlighting the history of engineering development and the achievements of previous forums was screened during the event.

Participants were provided with extensive information about Azerbaijan’s urban planning and architectural projects, particularly the “smart city” and “smart village” concepts being implemented in the liberated territories. Engineers exchanged views on topical issues such as digital transformation, sustainable urban development, the application of artificial intelligence in urban management, energy efficiency, smart transportation systems, and environmental solutions, while also discussing their short- and long-term plans in these areas.

During the forum, Elkhan Richard Sadiq-Zadeh, Associate Professor at Ruhr University and one of the scientists included in the ranking of the world’s top 2 percent of researchers, was awarded the “For Service in Diaspora Activities” Medal of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Moderated by Gunay Mirzayeva, Member of the Board of the Alliance of Azerbaijanis in Germany and Head of the Stuttgart Azerbaijan House, the forum continued with various panel discussions, presentations, and networking sessions. The panel discussions focused on the topics “Smart City and European Experience in Urban Planning” and “Cities of the Future: Construction, Digitalization, and Sustainability.”

Guests also showed great interest in an exhibition featuring photographs of German architectural monuments located in Azerbaijan, organized at the forum venue.

As a part of the forum, a Memorandum of Understanding on Future Scientific Research and Cooperation was signed between Brandenburg University of Technology in Germany and Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction.

It should be noted that the Forum of Azerbaijani Engineers Living in Europe, held in Berlin on June 22, 2024, as part of the “Green World Solidarity Year” as well as the Second Forum of Azerbaijani Engineers Living in Europe, held in Cologne on November 1, 2025, within the framework of the “Year of Constitution and Sovereignty,” played an invaluable role in ensuring the continuity of this initiative and in defining its fundamental principles.