European engineers' forum showcased intellectual potential of Azerbaijanis abroad - REVIEW

Azerbaijan is actively using the concept of smart communities in the design and restoration of cities and villages in Karabakh, which were completely destroyed during the Armenian occupation of these lands. This approach was widely presented at the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), held in Baku in May. Unsurprisingly, this very topic was one of the key topics at the 3rd Forum of Azerbaijani Engineers Living in Europe, held last weekend in Hamburg, Germany.

The forum was held under the motto "Smart City Technologies and Processes," which aligns with the goals of the Year of Urban Development and Architecture, declared in Azerbaijan this year.

As the forum demonstrated, many young Azerbaijanis who have mastered modern engineering technologies have successfully established themselves in Europe after receiving education at leading European universities. Some work in government agencies and large international companies, others have found their niche in the private sector, and still others have created their own startups.

During their presentations, participants shared their professional experiences, discussing completed projects and their own career paths. Their stories served as a powerful inspiration for young people pursuing engineering education or recently embarking on their careers. Therefore, despite the packed program and numerous presentations, the question-and-answer sessions often lasted longer than the presentations themselves.

One of the most discussed topics at the forum was the restoration of Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur, as well as modern approaches to urban planning. Muslim Imranli, a representative of the State Committee for Architecture and Urban Planning, delivered a presentation on this topic. Several years ago, he was directly involved in restoration and construction work in Karabakh, including Shusha.

The panel discussions "Smart Cities: European Experience" and "Cities of the Future: Construction, Digitalization, and Sustainable Development" generated considerable interest from the audience.

Asif Mammadov, an engineer from The Hague, spoke about waste management systems in eco-friendly cities. AMCB Labs co-founder Iskandar Akhundov presented the concept of smart laboratories. Mirhagan Mustafazada, who runs the startup MUST Analytics with his brother, shared his experience working with clients for whom the company develops customized AI-based solutions.

Given the challenges many cities around the world, including Baku, have recently faced due to heavy rainfall, the presentation by Kanan Mustafayev, who works for the state-owned company ARGUS Stadt und Verkehr Hamburg, was of particular interest. He discussed modern approaches to effectively managing rainwater and preventing the consequences of heavy rainfall.

The large number of successful engineers of Azerbaijani descent working in various European countries today is significant not only as a testament to their personal achievements. They are also a valuable intellectual resource for Azerbaijan. Utilizing their knowledge and experience does not require returning to their homeland. Modern technologies make it possible to transfer innovations, expertise, and cutting-edge developments regardless of distance.

According to Fuad Muradov, chairman of the State Committee for Work with Diaspora, proposals were prepared based on the results of the first two forums and then submitted to the Azerbaijani government. Similar work is planned based on the results of the current, third forum.

Muradov also noted that the forum was unable to accommodate everyone: the number of registered participants exceeded the venue's capacity. This was also echoed by an engineer who came from the Netherlands. He said many of his friends and colleagues also wanted to participate in the event in Hamburg.

"For various reasons, they were unable to come, but they followed the forum with great interest," he noted, adding that similar events would be useful in other European countries, not just Germany.

Judging by the interest of the participants and the growing number of people wishing to join the forum, it is gradually becoming not only a professional platform for exchanging experiences but also a kind of talent fair for Azerbaijani engineers working throughout Europe.