BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. Authorities in
Azerbaijan are emphasizing the need to create modern conditions in
historic buildings while preserving their cultural and historical
value, said Sabina Hajiyeva, Head of the State Service for the
Protection, Development, and Restoration of Cultural Heritage at
the Ministry of Culture, Trend reports.


She made the remarks at the event “Rethinking Cultural Heritage
and Inclusive Urban Regeneration,” held as part of the 13th World
Urban Forum (WUF13.


Hajiyeva stressed that urban regeneration should not focus on
individual buildings alone but must consider the preservation of
entire historic structures and areas.


“For example, people still live in Icherisheher today. A lot of
effort has been put into its preservation. We do not view
Icherisheher as just a tourist zone. It also reflects history in
itself,” she said.


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.