BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 17. The WUF13 forum
stands as a critical platform at a time when the impacts of climate
change are increasingly visible, requiring all future urban
blueprints and municipal solutions to strictly incorporate climate
resilience, Kenalemang Rose Phukuntsi, Mayor of the Tswelopele
Local Municipality of the Republic of South Africa (RSA), told
Trend.
According to the mayor, engineering sustainable cities and
shaping a safer global future are among the primary goals of
today’s municipal leaders:
"Events and forums like WUF13 are vital platforms because they
bring together international delegates, municipal authorities, and
community leaders. Consequently, the decisions and declarations
adopted here will have a profound structural impact on global
communities and cities," Phukuntsi noted.
The South African official also drew attention to Baku's
real-time climate adaptability during the summit:
"It is raining heavily here today. While many countries face
severe disruption, infrastructure failures, and flooding under
similar weather events, Baku experiences no such issues thanks to
its robust municipal drainage and engineering systems. From this
perspective, I believe Baku demonstrates superior urban resilience.
With this practical experience, Baku can serve as an exemplary
model for other cities both domestically and on an international
scale," she concluded.
