BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 19. The International
Urban Planning Forum (IUPF) intends to strengthen the participation
of local communities and underrepresented regions in the global
urban development agenda, the President and Chairman of the Board
of Directors for the International Urban Professionals Forum
(IUPF), Rolf Schuett, said, Trend reports.


Speaking at the panel discussion on "Bridging Grassroots
Communities and Global Urban Expertise" at the 13th World Urban
Forum (WUF13), Schuett noted that true sustainability cannot be
achieved solely through top-down policies. '' We must also take
into account the voices of people excluded from the global
discussion on housing and urban development,” he said.


According to Schuett, the IUPF’s activities are inspired by the
UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly reducing inequality,
developing sustainable cities and communities, and strengthening
global partnerships.


He noted that one of the organization’s key initiatives will be
the Emerging Communities Forum, which will take place in October in
collaboration with the Istanbul Urban Planning Agency.


“We want to use new technologies, invite community leaders to
share their stories, introduce participants to urban initiatives,
and create a space not only for professionals and academics, but
also for ordinary people,” Schuett emphasized.


In addition, the IUPF is launching a capacity-building program
for young professionals in the field of urban studies in
collaboration with the Salzburg University of Applied Sciences in
Austria.


“The goal of the program is to develop innovative urban
solutions that can integrate Istanbul’s infrastructure and social
aspects,” he noted.


According to Schuett, the newly formed IUPF coalition attracted
more than 10 partners within the first 24 hours of its launch.


“This demonstrates the significant demand for collaboration
among institutions, communities, and individuals who cannot afford
to participate in such forums,” he added.


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.