BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. An international
conference titled "The Role of Youth in Decolonizing Urbanization"
is underway within the framework of the 13th session of the World
Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, Trend reports.
The Baku Initiative Group organized the event, which marks the
first international meeting of the Global Youth Platform of the
South—an initiative established under the organization's auspices
by young representatives from various countries worldwide.
During the session, participants discuss the role of youth in
overcoming the consequences of colonialism and neocolonialism,
alongside mechanisms for expanding international cooperation among
representatives of the Global South.
The conference focuses on strengthening coordination between
youth organizations from different regions, raising awareness about
discrimination and human rights violations against minorities, and
promoting practical international initiatives in this field.
Representatives from 22 countries, including members of the
Global Youth Platform of the South from current and former
colonies, participate in the event. The attendee lineup comprises
young researchers, international law experts, healthcare
professionals, youth leaders, representatives of political parties
and pro-independence organizations, and university students.
The United Nations Youth Office also participates in the
conference for the first time.
Following the discussions, participants expect to put forward
proposals and recommendations aimed at fostering international
youth solidarity and increasing the efficiency of joint actions
regarding decolonization and human rights protection.
Today marks the fourth day of WUF13 in Baku.
The first day included a ministerial meeting dedicated to the
New Urban Agenda, a ministerial roundtable, assemblies for women
and civil society, business sessions, and discussions on urban
prosperity. An official ceremony marking the raising of the UN and
Azerbaijani flags also took place.
The second day stood out for the inaugural Leaders' Summit,
featuring high-level discussions on the global housing crisis,
urbanization policy, and urban resilience. Concurrently, the
opening of the Mexico City pavilion took place, serving as a
significant platform for expanding cooperation with the Latin
American region and preparing for WUF14.
The third day of WUF13 featured a comprehensive program of
events covering the global housing crisis, the formation of safe
and inclusive cities, climate resilience, artificial intelligence
and urban governance, green urbanization, social equity, and
sustainable transport.
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.
Will be updated
