BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 19. To combat natural
disasters, it is necessary to strengthen long-term international
cooperation, European Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs, and
Citizenship from 2014 through 2019, Dimitris Avramopoulos said,
Trend reports.


He made the remark at an event titled “Early Warning Systems and
Climate-Resilient Cities” held as part of WUF13.


He added that resilience is built through advanced forecasting
and planning. An early warning system involves not only technology
but also management,


According to him, technology alone is not enough; political will
and people-centered governance are also important:


“Half of the world’s population lives in cities, and this share
continues to grow. As people increasingly concentrate in cities,
cities are becoming the epicenters of global challenges. Serious
problems are emerging, such as energy and technological
constraints, as well as social inequality.


Fires, floods, heat waves, and building fires are no longer a
distant abstraction but a reality of urban life. Climate change
must be viewed not only as an environmental problem but also as a
complex issue with social and economic consequences. These changes
affect agriculture and livestock farming, as well as the service
sector, and disrupt the social balance. The most vulnerable
groups—people in insecure housing, children, the elderly, and
internally displaced persons—bear the brunt of disasters.


Issues of early warning systems and climate resilience should be
considered together. For urban policy, it is crucial to promote
resilience, strengthen infrastructure, and maintain a balance
between the city and nature. Key priorities include “green
corridors,” sustainable water systems, and reducing carbon
emissions. Policy must be based on scientific data, and long-term
international cooperation must be strengthened. No country can
tackle these challenges alone,” he added.







Resilience is built through advanced forecasting and planning.
An early warning system involves not only technology but also
management,


Meanwhile, the third day of the 13th session of the World Urban
Forum (WUF13) is underway in Baku.


On the first day, a ministerial meeting dedicated to the New
Urban Agenda, a roundtable of ministers, assemblies of women and
civil society, business sessions, and discussions on urban
well-being were held. A ceremony for raising the flags of the
United Nations and Azerbaijan also took place within the framework
of the forum.


The second day of the forum drew attention with the first-ever
Leaders Summit. High-level discussions on the global housing
crisis, urbanization policy, and urban resilience were held that
day. At the same time, the Mexico City pavilion was inaugurated
within the framework of WUF13. The pavilion was presented as an
important platform for expanding cooperation with the Latin
American region and preparing for WUF14.


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