BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. Young people play a
key role in shaping the future of cities, promoting clean air and
sustainable development, Alexandre Hedjazi, an associate professor
at the University of Geneva, said, Trend reports.


He made the remark during his presentation titled “Breathing
Life into the New Urban Agenda: Integrating Air Quality and Green
Infrastructure for Resilient Cities” as a part of the 13th World
Urban Forum held in Baku.


Alexandre Hedjazi noted that the younger generation, which has
inherited these cities, stands to lose the most but also gain the
most if the right steps are taken. According to him, inaction is
not an option, and young people play a key role in shaping
decisions in this area.


“The lives of young people in cities are not merely a secondary
issue, but a key structural element of urban planning. Young people
are also the driving force behind the shift toward cleaner air and
sustainable cities.

The primary responsibility before us today is for everyone to call
on their governments to create more breathable cities and to
include clean air on the permanent agenda of future World Urban
Forums,” he said.


The associate professor noted that at this stage, it is
necessary to translate ideas into concrete actions, and in this
process, air quality must be placed at the center of urban
policy.


He added that experts are proposing science-based approaches to
issues such as air pollution, sustainable urban development,
ecological systems, and health equity.


Hedjazi noted that, although Baku is known as the “city of
winds,” climate change is causing shifts in wind direction and air
currents, creating additional challenges for urban planning.







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.