BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. New projects aimed at
improving urban infrastructure and waste management are planned for
Baku, Gunel Guliyeva, Head of the Division for International
Cooperation with Investment Funds and Donors at the Department for
Cooperation with International Financial Organizations and
Investment Funds of the Ministry of Economy, said, Trend reports.


Addressing the panel discussion “Tackling plastic pollution:
promoting liveable cities and a circular economy” as part of WUF13,
Guliyeva noted that in 2025, a loan agreement was signed between
the Ministry of Economy and the World Bank for the “Living Baku”
project.


“The main goal of the project is to support urban
infrastructure, restore public spaces, and improve residential
infrastructure,” emphasized G. Guliyeva.


According to her, one of the key components of the project is
the cleanup of three lakes around Baku, including Lake
Khojasan.


“ In addition, important measures are planned in the area of
solid waste management. As part of this, there are plans to build a
landfill in Absheron and four transfer stations in Gobustan,
Shamakhi, and other districts,” she added.


Furthermore, it is noted that steps will also be taken within
the framework of the project to clean up contaminated areas.


Guliyeva emphasized that the projects are being implemented in
close coordination with the World Bank, the Ministry of Ecology and
Natural Resources, and other partner organizations.


According to her, one of the main priorities in this area is
applying international best practices and developing relevant
standards.







“We are working closely with international experts. We believe
that the construction of landfills and transfer stations will
create the conditions for addressing waste management issues and
making progress in this area,” she said.


Today, the fourth day of the WUF13 conference is taking place 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.