He started his career as a specialist at the State Committee on Property of the Republic of Azerbaijan in 1999 and served as a Specialist and Senior Specialist at the Ministry of the State Property of the Republic of Azerbaijan in 2000-2001. Held the positions of the Chief Specialist and Senior Consultant at the Ministry of Economic Development of the Republic of Azerbaijan in 2001-2005. Directed investment promotion activity of the Azerbaijan Investment and Export Promotion Foundation in 2005-2009.
Served as Deputy Chief of Department in 2009-2016 and later as Chief of Department at the "Icherisheher" State Historical-Architectural Reserve under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Held the post of Advisor to the Director and Chief of Staff at the State Housing Development Agency under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in 2016-2018.
In 2018-2019, has worked as Chief of Staff of the State Committee of Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
By the Order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan of 19 June 2019, Anar Adil oglu Guliyev was appointed First Deputy-Chairman of the State Committee of Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Adrian joined Chapman Taylor in 1986 and was promoted to the Group Board in 1998. As an architect and urban design specialist, he is recognised internationally for his expertise in the masterplanning of major complex mixed-use developments which are key drivers in the regeneration of our town and city centres.
Adrian is conscious of the fact that the developments we build today create the societies of tomorrow, recognising the responsibility the profession has in influencing the quality of people’s lives. He regularly speaks at conferences and prepares papers which promote the benefits of mixed-use developments as a sustainable model for the long term. Adrian leads the Concept Design Team in the UK.
Founding Partner. Dipl. Ing. TU Berlin. Prize winner of prestigious Erwin-Stephan-Prize. Leader of national and interna¬tional projects and research programmes on interdisciplinary collaboration and urban innovation. Author of the internatio¬nally released publication „12 rules towards a good urban climate “. Climate envoy to the government of the City of Zurich.
Pietro Laureano, an architect and urbanist, is UNESCO consultant for arid areas, Islamic civilization and endangered ecosystems.
He has lived for eight years in the Sahara working for study and restoration of oases in Algeria. With numerous essays and books published since the late 1980s, he demonstrated how oases are the result of human ingenuity, patrimony of techniques and knowledge to combat aridity and sustainable management model for the entire planet. He coordinates and manages projects based on the recovery of ancient techniques of water collection systems with various international organizations throughout the Mediterranean, Yemen, Mauritania and Ethiopia.
He promoted the recovery of the troglodyte town of the Sassi of Matera in the south of Italy, which had been completely abandoned in the 1960s, and is the author of the reports that led to the inclusion of the Sassi of Matera and the Cilento Park in the list Of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Reality in relation to the recovery of urban ecosystems and the preservation of the landscape.
He is founder and coordinator of IPOGEA Center for Traditional Knowledge, a nonprofit organization with headquarters in Matera and Florence, which designs landscape conservation projects with ancient practices such as the use of dry-stone terraces, water capture tanks and drainage galleries.
He is part of the UNESCO expert group who is working on the drafting of the new Landscape Convention. As an Italian representative in the United Nations Convention against Desertification (UNCCD) Technical and Scientific Committee and as Chairman of the Panel for Traditional Knowledge, he promoted the creation of a World Bank on Traditional Knowledge and their Use Innovative (www.tkwb.org). This initiative is being pursued together with UNESCO through the creation of the International Institute of Traditional Knowledge (ITKI), based in Florence, which will play a decisive role in the new Landscape Convention.
- Main publications:
– 2001, P. Laureano, Water atlas, traditional knowledge for the fight against desertification, Bollati Boringhieri, Turin
– 1995, P. Laureano, The Reversed Pyramid, the oasis model for the planet Earth, Bollati Boringhieri, Turin.
– 1993, P. Laureano, Giardini di Pietra, the Sassi of Matera and the Mediterranean civilization, Bollati Boringhieri, Turin, 2nd edition 1997
– 1988, P. Laureano, Sahara, unknown garden, preface by Joseph Rykwert, Giunti, Florence, December edition, 2nd edition July 1989. Re-edition in French with the introduction of UNESCO World Heritage Director. Sahara jardin méconnu, Larousse, Paris, 1991
Ms. Anna Soave, urban development practitioner with more than 20 years of international experience in urban planning and the development of rehabilitation strategies, particularly in post-conflict contexts, low-income informal settlements and dilapidated historic neighborhoods.
With a passion for urban explorations, mapping and learning how cities change over time, Anna is currently leading for UN-Habitat an interdisciplinary team implementing a set of area-based urban recovery plans and projects in Iraq.
Georg Redlhammer (1966) is a well experienced TV and radio journalist (ORF, CNN) as well as Marketing Executive in international automotive industry (Audi, Volvo). Georg graduated at Johannes Kepler University Linz/ Austria, in economics (Marketing and Finance). His premium network covers different industries and countries. The author published his first book 2020.
He is advisor of Emin Agalarov and works as a consultant on international projects in different areas as automotive, retail, entertainment always with focus on SDG´s. With the technology festival MOBILISTIC´18 he invented for Crocus Group the first exhibition on electro mobility in Russia, with Hollywood action hero STEVEN SEAGAL as ambassador.
Vladanka Andreeva brings 21 years of experience in international development, humanitarian coordination, advocacy, and partnership building, which she has acquired within the United Nations and externally through multiple assignments across Europe and Asia. In July 2021, Ms Andreeva was appointed as UN Resident Coordinator in the Republic of Azerbaijan.
At the United Nations, she most recently held the position of Country Director for the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) in Cambodia and led the United Nations Country Team Task Force for COVID-19 preparedness and response. Before that she led efforts, as Strategic Intervention Adviser for the UNAIDS Regional Office for Asia-Pacific, to strengthen implementation of evidence-informed, human rights-based and gender-sensitive country programmes. She served as Monitoring and Evaluation Team Lead for UNAIDS Viet Nam prior to that. Ms. Andreeva also worked with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as Policy Advisor for Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States and was Advisor to the United Nations Resident Coordinator in North Macedonia. She took this position after serving with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Office for the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) also in North Macedonia.
Prior to joining the United Nations, Ms. Andreeva worked with the non-profit organization Pharmaciens Sans Frontières and coordinated humanitarian relief for refugees.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in dental medicine and a master’s degree in public health, from the University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Skopje, North Macedonia.
Tommy Pniewski is an Architect + Analyst and head of the Kuryłowicz & Associates think-tank: KompaniA. Tommy has worked on many prestigious projects both in Poland and internationally, including work in the education, hospitality, transport and residential sector as well as large scale urbanism projects.
Dr. Kristian Mjoen is currently heading a national Pilot, University City TRD3.0, developing a new way of integrating universities and cities to promote societal innovation and sustainable value creation across sectors.
The work has been recognized as a Geneva UN Charter Centre of Excellence on SDG City Transition. Kris is heavily invested in finding new ways to inform and develop public sector innovation and works closely with the UN U4SSC Implementation Program to set up a national U4SSC backed project for Norway. He has a particular interest in play and playfulness, and the role of cities and communities as playgrounds in the mobilization of intellectual, social and financial capital towards the realization of the UN 2030 agenda for sustainable development.
Executive Background:
- Senior Expert in charge of Healthcare Services, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS)
- Researcher, Director of Research Group and Member of Research Board, Social Security ResearchInstitute (SSRI)
- Researcher, Deputy Director General for Research Affairs, Mehr Research Institute (private sector)
- Deputy Director General for Research Affairs and member of Research Board, Cultural and Social Studies Center, Tehran Municipality
- Vice-President, Communication and International Affair Center, Tehran Municipality
Pontus Westerberg is Programme Officer for the UN-Habitat Global Space Programme. He is responsible for many aspects of the Block by Block program including communication, resource mobilization, innovation, donor reporting, managing Minecraft experts, running workshops, and managing public space projects. He has helped implement more than 50 projects in 30 countries since 2012 and has held Block by Block Workshops in Kenya, Madagascar, Niger, South Africa, Mexico, Philippines, Nepal, Vietnam, Kosovo, and Ecuador. He has also presented Block by Block at events worldwide including Games for Change Festival, Responsive Cities Summit, Habitat III, The Impact of Civic Technology, Aldea Digital, MINECON, and Made in Space.
Senior urban planner within the Urban Lab of UN-Habitat’s Planning Finance Economy Section, based at UN-Habitat’s Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. She studied Urban and Regional Planning and Urban Design and worked on regional planning projects for Benghazi and Tripoli Regions in Libya between 2008 - 2011. After moving to Kenya, she supported urban development, design and humanitarian response projects in the UN-Habitat Somalia Programme. In 2018, she joined the Urban Lab team of UN-Habitat, where she contributed to and led integrated spatial planning, urban resilience and sustainable mobility projects. As part of the programmes in the Urban Lab, she contributed to developing tools and methodologies to promote sustainable urbanization.
Klas Groth is an architect/urban planner with more than 15 years’ experience of urban development planning and urban design on a strategic, comprehensive and detailed level. He currently works at the City Planning Administration, City of Stockholm. At the City of Stockholm he is a project manager and coordinator of various development contexts, for example the development of the next generation of sustainable urban districts (the Stockholm Royal Seaport) as well as the renewal of the Central Business District of Stockholm. He is an appreciated invited speaker and representative of the administration in various national and international networks. Until recently, Klas also had the position as an urban advisor at SKL International, a subsidiary to Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions, within the SymbioCity Approach. SymbioCity is a Sida-financed global project and conceptual framework aiming to promote sustainable urban development on local level, primarily in low and middle income countries. Previous experience include a position at the Urban Development Unit at Sida, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, as programme officer responsible for urban development programmes and projects implemented within the framework of Sida’s country strategies, mainly in the sub-Saharan context. He has also been part of various urban assignments as consultant on urban planning, urban design and housing. Klas is a member of the Swedish Association of Architects and the Swedish Association of Town and Regional Planning and an associate consultant to SKL International.
PhD of the Faculty of Architecture Warsaw University of Technology. During over 20 years of planning practice and academic experience he was dealing both with strategic planning and urban design. His doctoral thesis was awarded by Polish Minister of Infrastructure, and President of Warsaw University of Technology. As an architect he was an author of several public and private building projects as well as projects for public spaces. As an urban planner and the owner of the planning office he is co-author of about 50 Master Plans (and several Municipality Structural Plans) as well as spatial and program concepts of development of different functional areas. He is an academic teacher responsible for spatial planning theory, and planning of transportation systems lectures, as well as practical exercises in the field of urban and rural design in different scales, planning of transportation systems and spatial planning. Member of the Urban and Metropolitan Areas Team at Committee for Spatial Economy and Regional Planning, Polish Academy of Sciences. For 9 years Secretary General then Vicepresident and now President of Society of Polish Town Planners. For 12 years he's also a jury reporter in annuall Polish Prize for the best master's degree work in the field of spatial planning and urban design and Polish Prize for the Best Public Space organized by Society of Polish Town Planners in cooperation with the Union of Polish Towns. He was a Head of Polish National Delegation in International Society Of City And Regional Planners and was an Urban Planning Advisory Team member for the 2049 Strategy Planning and 2030 Overall Planning of Jiangbei New Area in Nanjing PRC, Lecturer at YPP Training Program, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, YPP workshop in Shenzen, PRC and Ekaterinburg in Russia. An expert in the Program for Flood Security in the river basin of middle Vistula Region. Co-organizer and jury reporter in the already completed international architectural-urban competition of Warsaw riverfront in 2008 and the next part of the riverfront in 2017.
Marcelina has extensive experience of all design stages on a diverse range of projects of various scales, from individual buildings to large urban masterplans.
She has a particular passion for high street regeneration, with a talent for anticipating future trends in retail and leisure and the impact they will have on town centres. Her current projects include heritage-sensitive masterplans for historic city centres.
As an architect and urban designer, Marcelina understands the importance of placemaking and of combining uses to create socially, commercially and environmentally sustainable communities, both in the UK and internationally.
Marcelina has been with Chapman Taylor since March 2007, when she joined the company to help deliver St. David’s 2 in Cardiff.
In 1987, started his career at the Master Plan Department of Baku State Design Institute. In 1987-1998, served at the Baku State Design Institute as an Architect and Senior Architect. In 1998-2002, worked as a Group Director and Chief Design Architect at the Head State Design Institute "Azerdovlatlayiha" and, in 2002-2008, directed Fenix-AA Limited Liability Company.
In 2008, served as Director of the Baku State Design Institute under the State Committee of Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
By the Order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan of 19 June 2019, Ilgar Aydin oglu Isbatov was appointed to the post of Deputy-Chairman of the State Committee of Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
By the Order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan of 9 April 2010, Ilgar Isbatov was awarded the “Taraggi” Medal. By the Presidential Order of 10 April 2012, he was awarded a title of “Honored Architect” and, following the Presidential Order of 18 December 2017, his merits were recognized by the “Order of Glory.”
Emin Zamin oglu Huseynov was born on November, 1974. In 1996, he graduated from the School of Commerce of Azerbaijan State University of Economics, majoring in International Economic Relations. 1998 he gained Master degree in Economics, Florida State University, USA. 2009 he gained Master degree in Public Administration, Harvard Kennedy School, USA. In 2014, he was awarded a PhD in Economics by the Supreme Attestation Commission under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Emin Huseynov served as economist at the World Bank office in Azerbaijan in 1998-2001 and at the International Monetary Fund office in Azerbaijan in 2001-2003. In 2003-2005, he worked as country economist at the World Bank office in Azerbaijan. 2005-2007 he was Director of Studies Department at the National Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan. In 2007-2008, he worked as Director of Studies and Statistics at the National Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan. In 2008-2010, he was active as Director of Studies Department and Senior Economist at the Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan. In 2010-2013, he was Director of Studies and Development Center at the National Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan and General Director of the Central Bank. In 2013-2016, he worked as Prorector for Strategy and Development at ADA University. Between January and June of 2016, he was Prorector for Science and Strategy at ADA University. In 2016-2018, he was Acting Deputy Minister of Finance. Since 2018, has been working as Assistant to First Vice President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. By the Order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan of January 23, 2021 was appointed Member of the Supervisory Board of State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Since 2021 he is a Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the liberated territories of the Karabakh Economic Region (except Shusha district).
1998 got admitted to the faculty of Law at Baku State University. In 2002 graduated with distinction and received his Bachelor degree. In 2006 received his Master’s degree and graduated with distinction from the same faculty. In 2008-2009 within the framework of the “State Program on Education of Azerbaijani Youth Abroad in 2007-2015” pursued his Master’s degree in International Business Law at King’s College London, UK.
2002-2003 served in the Azerbaijani Army.
Started his career at the Ministry of Economic Development, in 2005-2009 he worked as an adviser, leading adviser, head of department in the ministry.
2010-2013 worked as an assistant to the Head of the "Icherisheher" State Historical-Architectural Reserve Department under the Cabinet of Ministers.
2013–2017 continued his career at the Ministry of Education, served as an assistant of the Minister, Head of department, and Chief of staff.
From December 2017 to May 2020 served as an Adviser to the Minister of Taxes.
May 13th 2020 was appointed as the Deputy Minister of Economy by the Decree of the President of Azerbaijan Republic
Appointed as the first deputy minister of economy by the Order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, dated February 10, 2022.
Engaged in pedagogical work at Baku State University.
Mr.Samir Poladov was born April 14,1977. He graduated from faculty of international relations Baku State University. In 1997-1999 years has worked in private sector. In 1999-2006 years he started his career in Mine Action Agency of Azerbaijan Republic as translator, plans and contracts officer, senoir operations officer, has been promoted to the position of the Head of operations department.
In 2019-2021 years has worked in private sector.
March 12, 2021 Mr.Samir Vagif Poladov has been appointed Deputy Chairman of the Board of the Mine Action Agency of the Azerbaijan Republic (ANAMA) by the order signed of the Prezident Ilham Aliyev.
In 2016 Mr.Samir Poladov has been awarded `Tereggi` medal by the Prezident of the Azerbaijan Republic
Duk Hwan, Son is a Senior Programme Officer of the Planning, Legislation, and Governance Section in UN-Habitat, and one of his focuses is on National Urban Policy Programme. Before joining UN-Habitat, he worked for crucial departments of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport of Korea (MoLIT) for more than 15 years. He was in charge of the Metropolitan Transport Policy Division, Regional Policy Division and Logistics Policy Division, etc. He also served other Korean government agencies, including the Prime minister's Office as Team manager and Deagu Metropolitan City as deputy director. He holds a Master degree in Public Administration from Seoul National University in Korea and a bachelor's degree from Kyung-Pook National University in Korea.
Elnur Zabit oglu Soltanov was born in Mingechevir in 1974. Gained Bachelor and Master degrees in International Relations at the Middle East Technical University in Turkey during the period 1995-2003. Worked as a researcher at the Center for Eurasian Strategic Studies in Turkey during the period 2000-2003 and then completed a PhD on Political Sciences at Texas Tech University (2009), USA during the period 2003-2009. Engaged in pedagogical activities at Texas Tech University, Slippery Rock University and Truman State University during the period 2004-2009. Worked at ADA University as Senior Teacher, Director of the Caspian Energy and Environment Center, and Dean at the School of Public and International Relations during the period 2009-2018. Since 2018, he has been serving Deputy Minister of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan. By the order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan of January 23, 2021 was appointed Member of the Supervisory Board of State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Anar Karimov began his diplomatic career in 2000 as attaché and third secretary in the Department of Human Rights, Democratization and Humanitarian Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan. From 2004 to 2008 he worked as the third and second secretary of the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Kingdom of Belgium and the Representation to the European Union. From 2008 to 2009, he served as First Secretary of the Department of Humanitarian and Social Issues of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan. In 2010-2014, he worked as consultant and chargé d'Affaires to the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Azerbaijan to UNESCO.
On May 23, 2014, by orders of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Anar Karimov was awarded the diplomatic rank of Envoy Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and he was appointed Permanent Delegate of the Republic of Azerbaijan to UNESCO.
On July 9, 2019, Anar Karimov was awarded the diplomatic rank of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary. On July 20, 2020, by orders of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Anar Karimov was appointed First Deputy and Acting Minister of Culture of Azerbaijan. On January 5, 2021, he was appointed Minister of Culture of Azerbaijan.
Ali is a Director and co-founder of MYAA and he has worked on major projects around the world including The Award Winning Faculty of Islamic Studies at Education City, Doha, a Ferry Terminal and Port in Istanbul, a Community and Cultural buildings in London, an Airport in Indonesia as well as a new City of Culture on Hainan Island China, also major sports and stadia projects for The World Cup. Ali has lectured and participated in symposiums at leading institutions including UCL, The Architecture Association, Cambridge University, ETSAB Barcelona, Columbia University NY, HBKU University and The Hong Kong Design Institute. Ali had worked as a Board Member of Architecture & Design Scotland and is now Building Environment Expert for The UK Design Council.
1979-He was born in Baku city.
2000-He graduated from Baku State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Law.
2002-He graduated with a Master’s degree in International Law.
2003-He received a Master’s degree in International Human Rights from the University of Essex, England, as a Chevening Fellow.
2009-He was admitted to the University of Oxford in England as a Weidenfeld Fellow to study for a doctorate.
2016-He received a Ph.D. in Law from Oxford University.
2006 –2007-He worked as a consultant at the Department of Administrative and Military Legislation of the Office of the Milli Majlis.
2015 – 2017-He was rector of Azerbaijan University.
2017 – 2020-He served as Deputy General Director of Baku International Sea Trade Port CJSC.
2021-He was appointed Adviser to the Minister of Transport, Communications and High Technologies.
2022-He was appointed Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport by the Order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated May 24, 2022.
Peru Cañada, CEO of BAT, with more than 25 years of professional experience, is an enthusiastic architect and urban planner, with experience in the design and development of projects of diverse nature and scale. His work is characterized by offering a strategic approach at all stages of the project, combining through an exhaustive management exercise, a personalized approach under a philosophy of collaboration.
With clients and project around the world, honors, awards and social recognition, BAT is building bridges through high-value design to improve people's lives through innovation in design and construction.
The more than 25 awards in national and international projects and the various publications in media around the world recognize the creativity, technical knowledge, and leadership capacity of his still short professional career.
Dr. Alias bin Rameli is working as Director of Research and Development Division, PLANMalaysia (Federal Department of Town and Country Planning, Malaysia), Ministry of Housing and Local Government. He has graduated from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) with a Bachelor Degree in Town and Regional Planning, Master of Science in Land Administration and Management and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Urban and Regional Planning (Housing Planning). He has more than 28 years experiences in urban and regional planning with major involvement in Landuse Planning, Housing Development Planning, Land Development Process, Property Market Analysis, Planning Laws, Sustainable Future City, Urban Redevelopment Programme and Local Government Programmes. His major contributions and involvement in urban planning and development are: a. National Expert in Development Outcome, Impact and Game Changer Analysis since 2021 – present b. Coordinator for Malaysian Sustainable Future City Study since 2013-2021. c. Coordinator for Kuala Lumpur Urban Redevelopment Blueprint Study in 2008 - 2020. d. Coordinator for Housing Planning Policy and Guidelines Study Team since 2008 – present e. Coordinator for the Malaysia Sustainable Cities Award for World Town Planning Day since 2019 – present f. Professional Team Member for Malaysian High Impact and Major Infrastructure Development Project since 2017 - present g. Coordinator for the Malaysia Urban Sustainability Assessment (MURNInets) and Low Carbon Cities Planning Study since 2019 – present h. Coordinator for Malaysian SDGs and New Urban Agenda (NUA) Implementation Framework Study, since 2019 - present
Ivana Unluova is Senior Programme Advisor and global lead of the UN-Habitat’s Sub-programme on Urban Crisis and Migration. She is seconded from UNHCR where she had worked for over 25 years, of which some 20 years in senior programme management capacities in operations in East Africa, including Tanzania, Somalia and Kenya. Before year 2000, she had worked in UNHCR Europe operations, including in Kosovo. Before joining UNHCR, Ms.Unluova worked for the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration in Oslo between 1987-1997. She is Czech citizen and holds MA from the Charles University in Prague.
He was born on May 5, 1961. In 1983, he graduated from the geography-biology faculty of the Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University. In 1988-1991, he was a graduate student at the Institute of Geography of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Azerbaijan. In 1991-1993, he worked as a junior researcher at the Institute of Geography of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Azerbaijan. In 1993-2000, he worked as a senior researcher at the Institute of Soil and Agrochemistry of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Candidate of Agricultural Sciences since 1994. He is a member of the New Azerbaijan Party Political Council. In 2000, he graduated from the law faculty of Baku State University. In 1995-2000, he was a deputy of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan. In 2002, he worked as the head of the Department of Environmental Policy in the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and in 2003 as the head of the Department of Expertise. Since 2004, he has been the Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources.
On May 22, 2021, by the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the 2nd degree "For Service to the Fatherland" Order, on December 15, 2010, the 5th Anniversary Medal of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Azerbaijan, on June 22, 2019, "For Distinction in Public Service" awarded with a medal.
The Mayor of Jelgava is Andris Rāviņš. He was born in 1955. In 1980, he graduated from the Latvian Academy of Agriculture (now – Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technology) with a degree in Mechanization. He has been Mayor of Jelgava city council since 2001. At the moment he is also the president of Latvian Large Cities Association, Deputy to chairman of The Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments and Member of Latvia to the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR).
Wandia Riunga has over ten years of experience working in statistical monitoring and evaluation and development impact assessment. As a Data Analyst Consultant for the UN-Habitat her major responsibilities entailed sharing facts, lessons, best practices and the development of specific recommendations and guidelines for slum improvement as well as devising strategies for revising the MDG slum target at the local city level. Wandia was involved in creating important tools/methodologies for the assessment of key urban planning elements necessary for new urban expansion of growing cities had contributed to global regional reports on urban settlements that assist policy makers design clear policy interventions towards sustainable development in cities. She holds a Masters of Science in Applied Statistics and Research Methods, Masters in Supply Chain Management and is also currently pursuing the Chartered Financial Analyst designation to further her knowledge and acquire tools necessary in monitoring the performance of specific funding flows and the identification of potential areas of inefficiencies, resource needs, and resource reallocation for development projects in Nairobi. She is has a dynamic personality with superb leadership and communication skills and has the ability to convey specific statistical information to a non-technical audience. She is a self-starter, persistent and driven with excellent programming skills- statistical applications; R, SAS, STATA and SPSS.
Tea Melikadze has more than 15 years of experience of working in the infrastructure and energy sectors, for both the public and private sectors. She is an Associate Director in EBRD’s Sustainable Infrastructure Group, with specific responsibility for the Caucasus region. She is in charge of project development and portfolio management for various infrastructure sub-sectors, including transport, water, wastewater, and waste management.
Tea was one of the originators of the EBRD Green Cities, which offers more than € 5 billion of EBRD and donor support to cities in the EBRD region to address their most pressing environmental challenges through targeted investment, policy actions and capacity building. Launched in 2016, to date over 55 cities joined EBRD Green Cities, committed toward their transition to green, low-carbon and resilient futures.
Tea holds a BSc in Economics and MSc in Business.
Head of the division for cooperation and programs with international organizations in 2011-2012, Head of the International Cooperation Department from 2012 to 2018, Deputy head of administration - Head of the Department of International Cooperation and Innovative Development from 2018 to 2020 and the head of Administration between 2020 – 2022 at the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
V.Eyvazzade was the President of the Culture Commission of the 41st General Conference of UNESCO in Paris, 2021. He was Secretary of the International Working Group of the Baku Process for intercultural Dialogue (www.bakuprocess.az) implemented in partnership with UNESCO, the UN Alliance of Civilizations, the World Tourism Organization, the Council of Europe and ICESCO since 2008, Member of the Executive Council and Secretary General of the National Commission of the Republic of Azerbaijan for ICESCO from 2015 to 2022, Head of the Working Group on the Development of Creative Industries under the Ministry of Culture from 2019 to 2022.
He chaired the Operational Team of the World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue initiated by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan which is organized on every two years since 2011, UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for Intangible Cultural Heritage held in 2013, the 7th Global Forum of the Alliance of Civilizations of the United Nations held in 2016 and Chaired the Operational Committee of the 43rd session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in 2019. V.Eyvazzade is a Program director of the “Heritage Management” Training Programme 2022 on UNESCO Conventions.
He attended more than 500 conferences, forums and meetings in around 60 countries. He led a number of important projects implemented jointly with UNESCO, the UN Alliance of Civilizations, the Council of Europe, the European Union, ICESCO, TURKSOY and other international organizations. V. Eyvazzade is the author of the “Creative Azerbaijan” (www.creative.az), “Talents Azerbaijan”, “Heritage Azerbaijan”, “Masters of Azerbaijan”, “CreaTalk”, “PeaceTalk” and the Global Call of Peace4Culture in partnership with the UN Alliance of Civilizations and ISESCO.
3rd degree "For Service to the Fatherland" order by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in 2016 and Honorary Diploma of the President in 2019.
"Honorary Culture Worker" Diploma of the Ministry of Culture (2016) and “New Leaders for Tomorrow” of the Crans Montana Forum (2012).
Mr. Ambroso was appointed UNHCR Country Representative in Azerbaijan in July 2018. He has worked in the humanitarian field for over 30 years, almost exclusively with UNHCR in different capacities by holding senior positions in Uganda, Iran, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Azerbaijan (from 1995 to 1997), Somalia, Belgium, Tanzania and UNHCR HQs Geneva. Mr. Ambroso was brought up in Milan and is a citizen of Italy. He holds a B.A. in Anthropology and Geography and a Ph.D. in Geography, both obtained from University College London, University of London.
Natig Namig oglu Hasanov was born in 1979.
Graduated from the State and Municipal Governance Faculty of the State Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Earned his master’s degree at Azerbaijan State University of Economics. Currently, a Ph.D. student at the Scientific Research Institute of Economic Reforms. In 2001, he went to work in private sector and held various positions in several companies and organizations from 2001 to 2008. In 2008-2011, he was an advisor on the state regulation of business activity sector of business development department of the Ministry of Economy. In 2011-2012, headed the Sector of non-oil development of the economic policy, analysis and forecasting Department of the Ministry of Economy. From 2012 to 2018, was deputy head of the interstate economic cooperation Department of the Ministry of Economy. Participated in various trainings, workshops and courses abroad, and was involved in the organization and hosting of a number of international conferences in Azerbaijan. On 29 February 2018, was appointed First Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of the Small and Medium Business Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Leyla Hasanova is a national of Azerbaijan holding a position of Education Specialist at UNICEF Office in Azerbaijan. She held various positions at UNICEF Baku office over 16 years, including 14 years in the area of education, child development and early childhood education and care. Ms Hasanova possesses experience in supporting emergency operations of UNICEF in Prague, Czech Republic, in responding to the Ukraine refugee crisis.
Her professional record also included 7 years of employment at the British Council Azerbaijan as Education Manager and Regional Business Development Manager.
Leyla Hasanova holds a Bachelor’s degree in Pedagogy and a Master’s degree in Law.
As an Architect and Urban Development Practitioner, Katja Schäfer has more than twenty years of professional experience in teaching, research, analytical and advisory services, and programme administration in the fields of housing, urban development and management, institutional development, and capacity building. She has worked at global, regional, national, and local levels, ranging from development to fragile and (post) conflict environments, emergency support, disaster mitigation, and urban recovery. Her wide expertise is in innovative, participatory, and responsive solutions to urbanization challenges through socially and culturally acceptable, economically viable, and environmentally sustainable interventions that take into consideration physical, legislative, and financial aspects.
Katja Schäfer currently acts as the Smart Cities Flagship Programme Lead at UN-Habitat as well as the Programme Manager at United Nations Innovation Technology Accelerator for Cities (UNITAC Hamburg).
Aydın Karimov was born in Baku, Azerbaijan on 19 June 1974. He entered the Azerbaijan State Oil Academy (Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University) in 1991 and has been graduated from that academy in 1996 with a degree in Automation of Production Processes. From 1998 to 2003, he worked at Baku International Sea Trade Port. From 2003 to 2019, Aydın Karimov worked in various private companies as “Caspian Invest “LTD and “Caspian Marine “LTD as a director. Their activities included several consulting services and projects in the field of infrastructure, town and urban development, etc. both in Azerbaijan and overseas. From 2019 to 2021 he was working in State Urban Committee as an advisor to the Chairman of this Committee. Aydin Karimov was appointed the Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Shusha district in 2021. He is married with 2 children and he knows Russian, English and Italian languages.
Born in Baku on 24 April 1985
He holds bachelor and master of İnternational Economics Relations degree from Azerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC) in 2003-2011.
Currently studying for Ph.D degree of World Economy at Economic Scientific Research Institute.
From 2021, He was appointed to Head of Restoration and Development Department at Ministry of Economy of Republic of Azerbaijan