AI, smart cities and robotics take centre stage at Yay Fest 2026 camp [PHOTOS] The “Modern Cities and Technology” camp, the fourth camp of the Yay Fest 2026 youth festival, has concluded in Azerbaijan’s Shamakhi district with a five-day programme focused on smart cities, artificial intelligence, innovation and sustainable development. Supported by the Youth Foundation of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the camp aimed to strengthen young people’s knowledge and skills in modern urban planning, architecture, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, innovation and sustainable development, while fostering creative thinking, leadership and teamwork. At the start of the camp, participants visited the monument to National Leader Heydar Aliyev in Shamakhi and laid flowers in his memory before heading to the camp site to begin the programme. According to AzerNEWS, the five-day programme brought together representatives of government institutions and the private sector for discussions on urban development, reconstruction, security, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. Sessions included “A New Vision for Urban Planning: Experience, Innovation and Inclusivity”, “From Return to the Future: Security and Sustainable Development”, “AI for Digital City” and “Smart Robots, Smart Future”. Participants were briefed on reconstruction and redevelopment projects in Karabakh and East Zangezur, modern urban planning practices, mine risks and safe return, as well as the role of artificial intelligence in planning and managing the cities of the future. The programme also explored smart city solutions, robotics and emerging professions, giving young participants an insight into how technology could reshape urban life and the future labour market. An interactive session organised by IDEA Public Union focused on environmental challenges and innovative solutions amid rapid urbanisation. Participants also met Azerbaijani statesman, diplomat, scholar and Doctor of Historical Sciences Hasan Hasanov to discuss Azerbaijan’s rich history and statehood traditions. The educational programme was complemented by a range of practical and recreational