BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. Colonialism continues
to exert a profound impact on the political, social, and economic
standing of peoples even under contemporary conditions, said
Richard Byron-Cox, an international law expert and former UN system
official, Trend
reports.


The expert made the remarks during the international conference
titled "The Role of Youth in Decolonizing Urbanization," held
within the framework of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum
(WUF13) in Baku.


"Colonialism has never served the interests of colonized
peoples. There is nothing good about it," he noted.


During his speech, Byron-Cox presented the case of Bonaire, an
island in the Caribbean region that remains part of the Kingdom of
the Netherlands. According to him, issues concerning poverty,
housing, education, and political rights on the island link
directly to its colonial legacy.


"The problems of housing, poverty, and education are merely
consequences of a broader challenge—colonialism itself," he
emphasized.


Byron-Cox pointed out that the right of peoples to
self-determination stands firmly enshrined in international law and
the UN Charter.


"International law speaks to the right of peoples to
self-determination, not only states," he stated.


He also shared that the residents of Bonaire have held two
referendums expressing dissatisfaction with the existing political
status of the island.


"Bonaire belongs to the people of Bonaire, not to the
Netherlands," the expert stressed.







According to Byron-Cox, youth must participate more actively in
international discussions regarding decolonization and human
rights.


"If someone is ready to listen to you for even three minutes, it
means your voice matters," he noted, addressing the young
participants of the forum.


He also urged young leaders to carefully study matters of
international law, social justice, and the historical legacy of
colonialism.


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.