Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — May 19, 2026 | Horn News Hub
Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abiebie said Ethiopia can draw valuable lessons from Azerbaijan’s urban transformation and heritage conservation efforts following her participation in the 13th World Urban Forum in Baku.
The forum, held under the theme “Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities,” brought together global leaders, policymakers, and urban development experts to discuss sustainable urbanization, housing, and resilient cities.
In a message shared on her official social media page and reported by AMN Plus, the mayor described Baku as a clean, modern, and rapidly transformed city with strong heritage preservation initiatives.
She highlighted the restoration of Baku’s historic “Old City” and the redevelopment of the formerly deteriorated “Black City” area into the modern “White City-Baku” over the past three decades.
According to the mayor, Baku’s urban transformation reflects Ethiopia’s ongoing urban renewal initiatives aimed at modernizing cities while preserving historical and cultural heritage.
She stated that Addis Ababa authorities have undertaken restoration works on historic sites around Piazza and Arat Kilo, including the country’s first cinema house, the first municipality building, the National Palace, and several monuments.
The mayor also noted that restoration and conservation activities are underway at nationally recognized heritage sites, including the Harar Jugol wall, the Palace of Abba Jifar, the Lalibela rock-hewn churches, and Fasil Ghebbi.
Addressing urban redevelopment efforts, Mayor Adanech said severely deteriorated neighborhoods are being transformed into modern residential areas designed to improve living conditions for residents.
She pointed to the government’s Corridor Development Project in Addis Ababa and other cities as a key example of Ethiopia’s broader urban renewal strategy, aimed at improving road infrastructure, expanding pedestrian and bicycle access, and enhancing urban greenery and public spaces.
The mayor added that her visit to Baku offered an opportunity to exchange experiences and strengthen Ethiopia’s efforts in urban development, renewal, and heritage conservation across the country.
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