BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 19. Human-centered early
warning systems are essential for building climate-resilient cities
and protecting vulnerable populations, Hicran Huseynova, chair of
the Azerbaijani parliament’s Committee on Family, Women and
Children Affairs, said during an event held within the framework of
the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, Trend reports.


Speaking at a panel titled “Early Warning Systems and
Climate-Resilient Cities,” Huseynova said the Karabakh region
suffered severe environmental damage during the years of
occupation.


“During the occupation, Karabakh was subjected to ecocide. More
than 60,000 hectares of forest area in cities and settlements were
destroyed, causing serious damage to the region’s ecosystem,” she
said.


According to Huseynova, Azerbaijan now has a unique opportunity
to build “smart cities” in the liberated territories.


She said awareness initiatives implemented in the country are
aimed at strengthening the legal and social dimensions of
sustainable development, while emphasizing that social inclusivity
should remain a key priority.


“Early warning systems and climate-resilient city concepts
combine scientific forecasting, advanced technologies and social
inclusion,” Huseynova said. “This approach is vital for reducing
economic losses and protecting vulnerable populations.”


She added that expanding early warning systems is also important
for increasing women’s participation and ensuring child
protection.


Huseynova stressed the importance of accurate forecasting, risk
assessment and the implementation of reliable warning systems in
the face of growing climate threats.


“Heatwaves, floods and droughts are affecting the entire world.
Timely warnings are critically important,” she said.


According to Huseynova, smart city technologies can allow
authorities to take preventive measures hours before disasters
occur.


“It is essential to establish human-centered warning systems,”
she said. “Warnings should be communicated in simple language while
taking into account the specific needs of vulnerable groups.”







She also called for stronger environmental awareness, the
development of ecological culture and greater emphasis on inclusive
urban planning projects.


Huseynova noted that monitoring data show family-level awareness
also plays an important role in identifying disaster risks.


“Creating safe urban environments for children and preparing
them for climate-related risks remains one of the biggest
challenges ahead,” she added.


WUF13 is being held in Baku from May 17 to 22 under cooperation
between the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)
and the Azerbaijani government.


Held under the theme “Housing for All: Safe and Sustainable
Cities and Human Settlements,” the forum brings together
governments, experts, communities and international partners to
discuss sustainable urban development and housing challenges.


In the mean time, 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.