BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 19. Volunteers create the
best connection with people-oriented urbanization, and the ASAN
model is a great example of this, Regional Coordinator for Europe
and Central Asia of the UN Volunteers Program, Zarina
Mirabdullayeva, said during the panel discussion "ASAN Model in
Urbanization: The Role of Public Services and Volunteerism" at the
pavilion of the "ASAN Volunteers" Organization State Support Agency
within the framework of WUF13, Trend reports.


She noted that when she enters "ASAN Service", the first people
who greet her are volunteers.


"They eliminate the tension, confusion, and feeling of not
knowing where to turn, which is usually experienced in state
institutions. This model eliminates all that anxiety from the very
first moment.


Mirabdullayeva emphasized that cities will grow, life will
become faster and more intense.


"We are moving towards urbanization, technology, and innovation,
but if we lose human connection in all this, it will be much more
difficult for us to live in such a world. Volunteers are the bridge
that maintains this human connection. They connect us with the
processes of daily life.


During a crisis, at large events, during disasters, and on
issues of climate sustainability, the first people who come to mind
are volunteers. In most cases, they are on the scene before
politicians and international organizations. This is also true in
everyday activities.


"As you know, this year is the International Year of Volunteers
for Sustainable Development. When we talk about sustainable
development, we need to think about including volunteers in
everyday discussions because volunteering is no longer a random
activity that happens once or twice a month.







It's a great force and a real catalyst for development. We need
to approach it this way now.


That's why the ASAN system and the ASAN model impressed me so
much because this model not only integrates volunteering into
people's daily lives, but also creates an opportunity for
volunteers to become part of civil society," she added.


WUF13 is taking place in Baku from May 17 through 22 within the
framework of cooperation between the UN-Habitat program and the
Azerbaijani Government.


The event's program brings together various stakeholders and
representatives of like-minded groups to discuss one of the most
pressing global challenges – the issue of housing provision.


Dedicated to the theme "Housing the World: Safe and Resilient
Cities and Communities," WUF13 gathers national governments from
around the world, as well as communities, professionals, and
partners to exchange views, shape policy approaches, and accelerate
action toward solutions in sustainable urban development.


The program provides an opportunity for high-level discussions
through practical, solution-oriented platforms and interactive
meeting formats, ensuring that global policy is anchored in local
experience.