BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. Azerbaijan actively
implements a large-scale state policy aimed at creating modern,
safe, and ecologically sustainable cities, Fatma Yildirim, Member
of Parliament and Deputy Chair of the Milli Majlis Committee on
Natural Resources, Energy, and Ecology, said, Trend reports.
She made the remark during an event titled "Sustainable
development of mountain settlement" held within the framework of
the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku.
The MP emphasized that the restoration of the liberated
territories holds a special place within this strategy.
"Under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, a completely
new development model—the 'smart city' and 'smart village'
concept—is being formed in the Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur
regions, based on innovations, green energy, digital technologies,
and sustainable infrastructure principles," she noted. "This is not
just a large-scale construction process, but also the restoration
of the human environment, returning life, culture, social justice,
and historical memory to the liberated lands. Azerbaijan is
demonstrating to the world today that it is possible to create
modern residential spaces meeting the highest international
standards following destruction."
According to the deputy, special attention must be paid to the
development of mountain settlements and remote regions.
"In many countries around the world, it is precisely mountainous
areas that face serious limitations regarding access to
infrastructure, transport, education, and healthcare services.
Azerbaijan has rich experience in the field of developing
mountainous regions and implements programs aimed at improving
social infrastructure, creating new jobs, developing ecotourism,
and protecting natural and cultural heritage in this direction,"
she said.
"Following long years of destruction, the revival of mountain
settlements carries not only economic but also important
humanitarian significance for us. A modern approach to the
development of such territories should first of all be based on the
principles of ecological sustainability, digital accessibility, and
improving the population's quality of life," she added.
Yildirim noted that modern cities are, above all, an indicator
of society's quality of life.
"Today we must speak not only about the construction of
buildings and roads, but also about creating an inclusive
environment, accessible education, cultural development, ecological
safety, and social sustainability. In particular, the participation
of youth, women, civil society, and international organizations in
shaping sustainable urban solutions carries great weight. Only
through joint efforts is it possible to create cities where
comfort, safety, and opportunities are accessible to every person,"
she concluded.
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.
