BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. Minister of Housing
and Territorial Planning of Panama Jaime Giovanelli, said that
Panama is currently developing a cable car transport system aimed
at reducing traffic congestion in urban areas, Trend reports.


Speaking at a panel discussion titled “Two Regions, One Agenda:
Lessons for Inclusive Urban Renewal” during the World Urban Forum
(WUF13), Giovanelli outlined the country’s urban development
challenges and infrastructure priorities.


He said Panama faces a significant housing shortage, noting that
demand affects both the quantity and quality of available
housing.


“In quantitative terms, it covers about 5 percent of our
population. But in qualitative terms, housing needs already reach
10 percent,” he said.


The minister also pointed out that many newly developed
residential complexes lack essential social infrastructure,
including access to drinking water, transportation, roads, energy,
healthcare, and education.


“There are housing projects, but they do not have basic
services. Therefore, the state must ensure that institutions
responsible for public services act before housing development
begins,” he said.


Giovanelli added that better coordination is needed so that
infrastructure planning precedes construction, ensuring improved
living conditions for families.


He confirmed that Panama is building a cable car system as part
of efforts to ease traffic pressure in densely populated areas.







Another major initiative, he said, is the restoration of the
city of Colón on Panama’s Atlantic coast. A large-scale
redevelopment plan has been prepared, with a focus on
infrastructure-first implementation.


“Unlike previous experiences, this time the work is starting
with infrastructure. Although state resources are limited, we are
working to ensure investments are made ahead of demand,” 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.