BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 21. Today’s dialogue is
an important opportunity to reflect on the environments in which
children grow, learn, and develop, and to discuss how their safety,
well-being, and equal opportunities can be better ensured. Bahar
Muradova, Chairperson of the State Committee for Family, Women and
Children Affairs, made the remarks during the “Children and Youth
Roundtable” event held within the framework of the 13th session of
the UN World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, Trend reports.


Muradova said the discussion is particularly important in terms
of promoting the meaningful participation of children and young
people in decision-making and implementation processes that
directly affect their lives.


In her view, sustainable cities are defined not only by modern
infrastructure, but also by living environments that ensure human
well-being, social justice, and safety.


“Today, the concept of ‘home’ carries a broader meaning than
simply a physical living space. For a child, home means a safe and
supportive environment for development, access to education and
care services, opportunities for play and social interaction, as
well as a sense of belonging,” she said.


“At the same time, home means family — the first social
environment where a child feels heard, protected, respected, and
valued,” Muradova added.


She noted that, from this perspective, several priorities should
remain at the center of attention when planning adequate housing
and child-friendly urban environments.


In the mean time, today marks the fifth 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.


One of the highlights of the third day was the signing of a
sister-city memorandum between the Azerbaijani city of Shusha and
the Turkish city of Trabzon.


The fourth day of WUF13 featured a broad program of events
dedicated to urbanization, climate change, inclusive urban
development, housing policy, and sustainable governance.


One of the important events of the UN Special Programme for the
Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) Cities Forum, held on the fourth
day, was the announcement of Almaty’s official accession to the
“Declaration of Intent on the Establishment of the SPECA Smart
Climate-Resilient Cities Forum.”


Also, for the first time in WUF history and at Azerbaijan’s
initiative, the “WUF13 NGO Forum: Global Partnership and
Decision-Making” was held.


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.