BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. Integrating sport
into urban policy and planning strengthens health and well-being,
creates safe and inclusive public spaces, and fosters community
solidarity, Laura Chinchilla, former President of Costa Rica and
Permanent Observer of the International Olympic Committee to the
UN, said at the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in
Baku, Trend reports.


Chinchilla highlighted that urban problems are most pronounced
in densely populated areas. By 2050, about 70 percent of the
world’s population is expected to live in cities, intensifying
these challenges. “Rapid and joint action is necessary. Sport is a
low-cost, high-impact tool that accelerates social, economic, and
environmental progress,” she said.


She noted that the role of sport in development, social
solidarity, and community well-being is reinforced in international
frameworks, including the UN 2030 Agenda, the Pact for the Future,
and the Doha Declaration.


“The Coalition of Development Banks through Sport for
Sustainable Development has pledged $10 billion for inclusive,
community-based sports infrastructure and human capital projects by
2030. Together with UN-Habitat, we are working to localize the
Sustainable Development Goals in cities,” she said.


Chinchilla outlined four main directions: integrating sport into
city planning processes, implementing public campaigns on the
benefits of physical activity, strengthening local authorities’
capacity for evidence-based planning, and building high-impact
sports infrastructure and human capital projects supported by
development financing.


She added that sports initiatives also benefit local businesses,
engage youth, promote active mobility, increase use of green
spaces, and create multifunctional community spaces. According to
the IOC Refugee Fund’s “Cities: Sport and Inclusion” policy, sport
also helps integrate displaced communities into urban life.


Chinchilla concluded by stressing the need for unity and
stronger cooperation to address urban challenges today.







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.