BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 18. Discussions at this
year’s World Urban Forum will focus on practical solutions aimed at
making cities more inclusive, resilient and sustainable, the
president of the UN-Habitat Assembly said Monday, Trend reports.
Speaking at the official opening press conference on the second
day of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku,
Malaysia’s Minister of Housing and Local Government and President
of the UN-Habitat Assembly, Nga Kor Ming, highlighted the
challenges created by rapid urbanization.
He said that while cities continue to serve as centers of
economic opportunity, innovation and cultural exchange, they also
face mounting pressures related to housing, climate risks,
infrastructure demands and social inequality.
Nga Kor Ming stressed that access to affordable housing,
particularly for vulnerable communities, remains one of the world’s
most urgent urban challenges.
According to him, that is why the theme of this year’s forum —
“Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities” —
carries special significance.
“This week, our discussions will focus on practical solutions to
make cities more inclusive and sustainable,” he said. “We expect
important exchanges on housing policy and financing, but we must
ensure that these plans translate into real results.”
He added that WUF13 serves as a key platform for turning
international dialogue into concrete action and reaffirmed
Malaysia’s commitment to cooperation on sustainable urban
development initiatives.
Nga Kor Ming also emphasized that the forum in Baku offers
countries and international partners an important opportunity to
exchange experiences and best practices.
Concluding his remarks, he referenced an Azerbaijani proverb —
“Drop by drop, a river flows, a stream flows” — saying it reflects
the importance of collective effort in addressing global urban
challenges.
