Within the framework of preparations for the Thirteenth Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), the first awareness session on the application of the AZS ISO 20121:2026 “Event sustainability management systems” state standard in sports events has been held, the WUF13 Azerbaijan Operating Company told APA.
Yesterday, a seminar titled “Sustainable event management in football organization” was organized within the framework of cooperation between the WUF13 Azerbaijan Operating Company and the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA).
Staff of the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA), as well as representatives of the Professional Football League (PFL), the Football Development Fund (FIF), Misli Premier League and First League clubs participated in the seminar.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, AFFA Deputy Secretary General Kamran Valiyev noted that the 13th session of the World Urban Forum will be held in Baku on May 17–22. He emphasized that the forum is one of the most authoritative international platforms where sustainable development, inclusivity and modern management principles are discussed: “Holding such a prestigious event in our country creates both great responsibility and broad opportunities for the application of international standards in various fields, including football. In this direction, we have taken important steps together with the leadership of the WUF13 Azerbaijan Operating Company. Our main goal is not only the development of football, but also the formation of a sustainable football environment that promotes a responsible approach to the environment, society and future generations.”
Then, Gulshan Rzayeva, Deputy Chief of Staff of the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Deputy National Coordinator of WUF13, stated that sport plays an important role in the development of cities and its integration into urban planning. She noted that sport is one of the key urban services that promotes inclusivity, supports a healthy lifestyle and strengthens the sustainability of settlements.
The implementation of the AZS ISO 20121:2026 state standard creates the necessary institutional framework for planning and managing events held in the country in accordance with sustainability principles. This approach will ultimately have a positive environmental impact on the urban ecosystem and make a significant contribution to the formation of a new culture in the event industry.
The WUF13 will be organized based on environmental and inclusive principles. One of the main directions is the organization of the event at the Baku Olympic Stadium using existing infrastructure and more efficient use of resources.
Within the seminar, Head of the Department of Substantive Content of the WUF13 Azerbaijan Operating Company Jamila Ismayilzade, Chief Coordination Officer Afghan Mehtiyev, Chief Administrator for Organizational Development and Human Capital Tural Mammadov, EY Azerbaijan Climate Change and Sustainability Services Senior Manager Mirza Aliyev and Senior Specialist Nargiz Ahmadzade also delivered presentations and spoke about the importance of the event.
During the speeches, detailed information was provided and views were exchanged on topics such as “Integration of sport into urban planning,” “The role of sustainability and accountability in football tournaments,” and “Planning, implementation and risk management for the successful organization of events.”