BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. Cuba is implementing
a comprehensive state-led urban development strategy alongside a
strong energy policy focused on renewable sources, said Antonio
Fuervelo, vice president of the National Institute of Territorial
Planning of Cuba, during the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku,
Trend reports.
According to Antonio Fuervelo, the country has adopted a
national urban structure plan built around eight strategic
directions aimed at supporting integrated development at the
national, provincial, and municipal levels.
Speaking at a panel titled “Two Regions, One Agenda: Lessons for
Inclusive Urban Renewal,” Fuervelo said Cuba’s National Territorial
and Urban Planning Scheme serves as a key instrument for
coordinating development across all levels of government.
“From the national level to the provincial and municipal levels,
each has its own territorial and urban planning plan,” he said,
adding that urbanization is managed through these interconnected
frameworks alongside broader state programs.
He pointed to the “Life Task” program, which focuses on climate
change adaptation and prioritizes vulnerable cities while
strengthening emergency preparedness in coordination with civil
protection authorities.
Fuervelo also highlighted the “Plan Turquino,” a program aimed
at improving living conditions in mountainous and remote
communities.
He noted that Cuba’s urban and development policies are also
integrated with social programs targeting women, single mothers
with multiple children, the elderly, and children with
disabilities.
“These policies are being implemented despite the constraints
the country faces,” he said.
Fuervelo also emphasized Cuba’s ongoing efforts in the energy
sector, describing a shift toward alternative energy solutions amid
limited fuel supplies.
“The virtual prevention of oil and fuel deliveries to our
country has forced us to develop alternative programs,” he said,
citing the installation of solar panels and expanded use of
renewable energy.
He added that, with support from partner countries, Cuba has
been able to procure solar equipment and prioritize electricity
supply for essential services, including hospitals, clinics, and
social institutions serving vulnerable groups.
A large-scale water supply program is also underway to ensure
delivery to communities most affected by resource shortages, he
said.
In the mean time, 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.
