BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 11. A presentation of
Baku city has been held in San Francisco de Campeche, Mexico,
Trend reports.


The presentation took place during the General Assembly of
Mayors of Mexican Cities included in the UNESCO World Heritage
List, the main body of the National Association of World Heritage
Cities of Mexico.


The event was attended by the President of the National
Association of World Heritage Cities, Mayor of Guanajuato
Municipality Samantha Smith, Director General of the Association
Jorge Ortega, Mayor of Campeche Municipality Bibi Rabelo, as well
as representatives of municipal leaders of a number of Mexican
cities, scientific circles, and the diplomatic corps.


The Azerbaijani side was invited to participate in the event as
an honorary guest, based on the country's rich experience in
preserving the ancient face of Baku and modern development of the
city. Within the framework of the event, video addresses were made
by the Ambassador of Azerbaijan, Seymur Fataliyev, and the Chairman
of the Board of Directors of the Icherisheher State Historical and
Architectural Reserve, Rufat Mahmud.


In his speech, Fataliyev depicted Azerbaijan as one of the
oldest centers of civilization of mankind, the richness of its
cities, and the bright examples of its cultural heritage. He
emphasized that under the leadership of the President of
Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, the country pays special attention to
preserving and passing on the rich historical and cultural heritage
of the country to future generations, and that 2026 has been
declared the "Year of Urban Planning and Architecture" in our
country. Fataliyev called the inclusion of Icherisheher, Maiden
Tower, and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs in the UNESCO World
Heritage List in 2000 a great historical event in terms of
confirming the international significance of this monument.


The speech mentioned innovations in the field of urban
development in recent decades and new monumental complexes built in
Baku. Fataliyev said that following the 29th Conference of the
Parties (COP) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change held
in November 2024, another prestigious UN event - the 13th Session
of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) - will be held in the Azerbaijani
capital on May 17-22, 2026. This event is an invaluable platform
for Azerbaijan to strengthen the country's position on the global
urban planning agenda, as well as to promote sustainable and "smart
urban planning models" in the region.


In his speech, Mahmud briefed the participants on the historical
and cultural significance of Icherisheher, the management of living
in a historical urban environment, and the challenges faced in this
process. He noted that Icherisheher is not just a static monument,
but is a living legend that combines the preservation of historical
heritage and modern urban life. The inclusion of Icherisheher,
Maiden Tower, and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs Complex, which
reflect the medieval urban ensemble in the Caucasus region and the
historical development stages of regional and local architectural
traditions, on the UNESCO World Heritage List is an indicator of
its universal value.


Mahmud said that in the process of protecting Icherisheher, it's
necessary to achieve a balance between protection and development.
The main priority areas in this area are the restoration of
historical heritage, its integration into urban life, sustainable
tourism, development of urban infrastructure, accessible and
inclusive environment, digital presentation of heritage, and
increasing the mobility of transport systems. Mahmud said that
Icherisheher is active in international cooperation, which is
implemented through projects in the field of expert exchange and
strengthening institutional capacity. In this regard, Icherisheher
is interested in cooperation with Mexican cities facing the same
tasks.


During the presentations, photos reflecting the ancient and
modern face of Baku were displayed. Both presentations were met
with great interest by the participants.


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