Tunisia has expressed gratitude to Azerbaijan and the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) for hosting the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, with the country’s Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Salah Eddine Zouari saying Tunisia is proud to take part in the global event.
Zouari made the remarks during a ceremony marking the signing of a partnership agreement between UN-Habitat and the Saudi foundation Alwaleed Philanthropies on the sidelines of WUF13 in Baku, Caliber.Az reports via local media.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the government of Azerbaijan and UN-Habitat for the excellent organisation, hospitality, and continuous efforts to ensure the successful hosting of this global forum,” the minister said.
Zouari stressed that Tunisia is proud to participate in WUF13 and views the forum as an important international platform for addressing pressing urbanisation challenges.
“The World Urban Forum is one of the most important international platforms dedicated to discussing the growing challenges of urbanisation in the context of demographic, economic, and climate change,” he said.
He added that participation in the forum brings together government representatives and international organisations to develop a shared vision for the future of cities.
Zouari also underlined that Tunisia considers the protection and social inclusion of persons with disabilities a key and sustainable state priority, noting ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s legal framework in this area.
“Tunisia has made the protection of persons with disabilities and their social inclusion a sustainable state priority. The country is also developing its legal system, including a framework law on the protection and promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities,” he said.
The minister further stressed that the international human rights system recognises the right to adequate housing as a fundamental human right.
“The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities clearly enshrines the right of persons with disabilities to independent living and full participation in society, including access to buildings, transport, facilities and services, including housing,” Zouari said.
By Vafa Guliyeva
