BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 19. Bangladesh presented
its projects aimed at promoting sustainable urbanization and
improving energy efficiency at the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13).
Ferdousi Begum, the Chairman of the National Housing Authority
(NHA) under the Ministry of Housing and Public Works of Bangladesh,
said, Trend
reports.
He made the announcement at the panel session, High-Level Energy
and Urban Dialogue of D-8 Countries, held as part of WUF13.
According to her, Bangladesh views sustainable urbanization not
only as an environmental necessity but also as a key tool for
inclusive economic growth, climate resilience, and energy
security.
“Bangladesh, one of the countries undergoing one of the fastest
urbanization processes in the world, attaches particular importance
to the coordinated development of housing, infrastructure, and
energy systems. Reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to an
energy-efficient development model are among our top priorities,”
she said.
Throughout the presentation, it was emphasized that Bangladesh
is implementing projects to provide affordable, climate-resilient,
and energy-efficient housing for low-income and vulnerable groups.
“The Dhaka Urban Development Project integrates solar energy,
digitalization, a green living environment, and employment support.
The country is accelerating the development of renewable energy,
green construction, energy-efficient transportation, and
sustainable transport systems toward low-carbon urban
development.”
Begum noted that Bangladesh has received international
recognition for its achievements in decentralized solar energy and
is currently increasing the number of rooftop solar panels as well
as public facilities powered by solar energy.
“Sustainable urbanization and the energy transition must be
people-centered, inclusive, and affordable, and cities must both
reduce emissions and improve people’s well-being,” the Bangladeshi
official 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.
