BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 19. Today, cities account
for about 70% of global energy consumption and a significant share
of greenhouse gas emissions, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Energy Parviz
Shahbazov said, Trend
reports.


Speaking at the “High-Level Dialogue on Energy and Urban
Development in D-8 Countries” event, as part of the 13th World
Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, he noted that this makes it necessary
for D-8 countries to promote urban development based on renewable
energy sources, energy efficiency, and climate-resilient
solutions.


The minister noted that this makes it necessary for D-8
countries to promote urban development based on renewable energy
sources, energy efficiency, and climate-resilient solutions.


“Against the backdrop of rapid urbanization, energy security
challenges, and climate change, ‘green’ and ‘smart’ cities have
become not only a development model but also a key driver of the
global energy transition.


As D8 countries, we have rapidly growing cities and significant
renewable energy potential. Realizing this potential requires
strengthening the links between the energy transition and urban
development, as well as increasing green investments and
innovation,” he emphasized.


Shahbazov stated that Azerbaijan is promoting green energy as a
strategic priority: “We are implementing large-scale projects in
the field of renewable energy and cross-border energy corridors,
creating green energy zones, improving energy efficiency, and
modernizing power grids.”







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.