BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 19. As part of the 13th
session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), an event titled “A City
of Touch and Sensations” was held, Trend reports


The event was dedicated to the accessibility of the urban
environment for people with visual impairments and was organized by
the Public Association “Social Support for People in Need of Care”
with the support of the Agency for State Support of
Non-Governmental Organizations of Azerbaijan. The aim was to draw
attention to the challenges of urban accessibility for people with
visual impairments, discuss the importance of accessible urban
infrastructure, present innovative solutions, and raise public
awareness regarding inclusive urban planning.


The event featured presentations by Elnur Eyvazov, a professor
of law and business at ADA University Business School, and Elman
Suleymanov, an accessibility specialist at the operational
organization established as part of WUF13. They discussed the role
of artificial intelligence technologies in expanding access to the
information space for people with visual impairments, the impact of
modern assistive solutions on habilitation and rehabilitation
processes, and the prospects for technological development in this
field.


Throughout the presentations, the significance of hosting WUF13
in Azerbaijan was highlighted as an international platform for
exchanging experiences, studying global practices in urban planning
and accessibility, and establishing new professional contacts and
collaborations.


During the presentation, 15-year-old Samira Jafarli, a
10th-grade student at the Lyceum for Young Talents affiliated with
Baku State University, presented the projects “Smart Tactile Path”
and Tacto Color.


The “Smart Tactile Path” project combines the principles of
alternative energy and inclusive urban planning. It involves the
use of solar energy, the conversion of the mechanical energy of
pedestrians’ movement into electricity, and the heating of the
path’s surface in cold weather using alternative energy sources.
The audio navigation system and tactile guide elements are designed
to enhance the safety and independence of people with visual
impairments and other vulnerable groups. It was also noted that the
use of recycled car tires makes the project an environmentally
sustainable solution.


As part of the Tacto Color project, an inclusive coloring kit
designed for children with visual impairments was presented. The
kit aims to develop creative and educational skills through tactile
and sensory methods.


In addition, during the event, Pavin, who has lost his sight,
demonstrated the process of making decorative handmade items.







The forum, held under the theme “Housing the world: Safe and
resilient cities and communities,” brings together governments,
international organizations, experts, and civil society
representatives to strengthen global cooperation in the field of
sustainable urban development.

The finished products were presented to the event’s guests.


The project generated significant interest among young people,
and 15 volunteers joined the initiative as part of the project.


Meanwhile, today, Baku is hosting the third day of WUF13.


On the first day, a ministerial meeting dedicated to the New
Urban Agenda, a ministerial roundtable, women’s and civil society
assemblies, business sessions, and discussions related to urban
well-being took place. The forum also featured a flag-raising
ceremony for the UN and Azerbaijan.


The second day of the forum drew attention with the
first-of-its-kind Leaders’ Summit. That day featured high-level
discussions on the global housing crisis, urbanization policies,
and urban sustainability. Simultaneously, the Mexico Pavilion was
inaugurated as part of WUF13. The pavilion was presented as a key
platform for expanding cooperation with the Latin American region
and preparing for WUF14.


WUF13, which has registered over 40,000 participants from 182
countries, will run until May 22. The forum, held under the theme
“Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and communities,”
brings together governments, international organizations, experts,
and civil society representatives to strengthen global cooperation
in the field of sustainable urban development.


Will be updated