BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 19. Azerbaijan’s
successful hosting of the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13) marks
another significant international achievement for the country,
following COP29, the Secretary-General Ambassador Sohail Mahmood
said, Trend
reports.
He made the remark at the “High-Level Energy and Urban Dialogue
of D-8 Countries” event held as part of the 13th World Urban Forum
(WUF13) in Baku.
Sohail Mahmood emphasized that the world is currently undergoing
an unprecedented process of urbanization. According to the UN,
about 56 percent of the world’s population lives in cities, and
this figure is expected to reach 70 percent by 2050.
“Although cities generate more than 80% of global GDP, they also
account for about 70% of global energy consumption and
energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. According to estimates by
the International Energy Agency, demand for electricity for urban
infrastructure, cooling systems, transportation, and digital
services will increase by more than 75 percent by 2050.”
Mahmood noted that sustainable urbanization and the energy
transition are no longer separate policy areas but are closely
intertwined in development priorities: “The D8 countries have large
young populations, strategic geographical locations, growing
industrial and technological potential, and abundant renewable
energy sources. At the same time, rapid urbanization is putting
serious pressure on housing construction, transport infrastructure,
water security, public utilities, waste management, and energy
demand.
Developing countries need greater access to concessional
financing, technology transfer, and international partnerships to
align their energy transition and urban development programs,” he
said.
He pointed out that the D8 Energy and Climate Center, which is
planned to be established in Baku, could serve as a regional
platform for policy dialogue, technical cooperation, the exchange
of research findings, and capacity building.
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.
