03/06/2026
Baku, Azerbaijan – His Majesty King Mswati III led the Kingdom of Eswatini’s delegation to the World Urban Forum (WUF) in Baku, Azerbaijan, where global leaders, policymakers, innovators, and development partners convened to discuss sustainable urbanization and the future of cities.
Held under the auspices of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), the Forum provided a platform for sharing experiences and exploring innovative solutions to urban development challenges. His Majesty’s participation underscored Eswatini’s commitment to sustainable development, economic diversification, technological innovation, and human capital development.
On the sidelines of the Forum, His Majesty engaged with several leading Azerbaijani institutions and enterprises whose work aligns with Eswatini’s development aspirations.
Exploring Opportunities with AzerGold
His Majesty visited AzerGold CJSC, Azerbaijan’s state-owned mining company responsible for the exploration, extraction, and processing of precious metal deposits. During the visit, the delegation received an overview of the company’s operations, technological capabilities, and contribution to national economic development.
Discussions focused on value addition in the mining sector, responsible resource management, and the role of mineral wealth in driving economic growth. The visit provided valuable insights into how strategic investments in mining can create employment opportunities, stimulate local industries, and enhance national revenues.
Investing in Future Talent at SOCAR Higher Oil School
The delegation also toured the SOCAR Higher Oil School (SHOS), one of Azerbaijan’s premier institutions for engineering, energy, and technology education. The institution has earned international recognition for producing highly skilled graduates equipped to meet the demands of the modern energy sector.
His Majesty expressed appreciation for the school’s emphasis on innovation, research, and practical industry partnerships. The visit highlighted the importance of investing in education and skills development to prepare young people for emerging industries and support national transformation agendas.
Strengthening Cooperation in Energy with SOCAR
A key engagement during the visit was with the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR), a major global energy company and a cornerstone of Azerbaijan’s economic success. Discussions explored developments in the energy sector, including oil and gas production, energy infrastructure, and the growing importance of diversification and sustainability.
The exchange of views provided an opportunity to learn from Azerbaijan’s experience in leveraging natural resources to drive industrialization, attract investment, and support long-term economic growth. Potential areas of cooperation and knowledge sharing in energy development were also discussed.
Learning from ASAN Service’s Citizen-Centred Innovation
His Majesty further visited ASAN Service, Azerbaijan’s internationally acclaimed public service delivery model. ASAN has transformed the way citizens access government services by integrating multiple public services under one roof and utilizing digital technologies to enhance efficiency, transparency, and convenience.
The delegation was briefed on how the system has improved governance, reduced bureaucracy, and strengthened public trust in government institutions. The visit offered valuable lessons on digital transformation and citizen-centred service delivery that resonate with Eswatini’s ongoing efforts to modernize public administration.
Advancing Sustainable Development Through International Partnerships
His Majesty’s engagements in Baku reflected the Kingdom of Eswatini’s commitment to fostering international partnerships that support sustainable development, innovation, and economic growth. The visits to AzerGold, SOCAR Higher Oil School, SOCAR, and ASAN Service demonstrated the value of sharing knowledge and best practices across sectors including mining, energy, education, digital governance, and public service delivery.
As Eswatini continues to pursue its national development priorities, the insights gained during the World Urban Forum and associated engagements will contribute to strengthening policies and initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods, promoting economic resilience, and building a prosperous future for all Emaswati.
