BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 22. As part of the 13th
session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), a panel discussion is
being held on the topic "New Capitals and New Cities of Central
Asia. Water-Sensitive Urban Planning and Housing for Climate
Resilience," Trend
reports.
During the session, participants will discuss how developing
capitals and newly planned cities, such as Astana (Kazakhstan), New
Tashkent (Uzbekistan), the city of Alatau (Kazakhstan), Arkdag and
Ashgabat (Turkmenistan), the Altai residential complex in Bishkek
(Kyrgyzstan), and New Karakorum (Mongolia), are incorporating the
principles of water-efficient urban planning into master plans,
housing strategies, infrastructure systems, and management
systems.
Particular attention is being paid to innovative planning
approaches, nature-based solutions, sustainable housing typologies,
and decentralized water supply systems.
Experts will also present policy tools that place water security
and climate-resilient solutions at the core of expanding housing
supply, while promoting inclusive and sustainable urban
development.
Through comparative case studies and practical insights, this
session positions Central Asia as an emerging hub of best practices
in water-efficient urban planning for arid and climate-vulnerable
regions. The session aims to develop practical policy
recommendations relevant to cities worldwide facing similar water
and climate constraints, as well as to promote international
knowledge exchange and South-South cooperation.
The session aims to foster dialogue among urban planners,
developers, and international organizations on how water-sensitive
urban planning can accelerate the construction of adequate housing
and support a climate-resilient future for cities.
Meanwhile, today Baku is hosting the final day of WUF13.
On the first day of the forum, a ministerial meeting on the New
Urban Agenda, a ministerial roundtable, women’s and civil society
assemblies, business sessions, and discussions on urban well-being
took place. The forum also featured a flag-raising ceremony for the
UN and Azerbaijan.
The second day of the forum was marked by the first-ever
Leaders’ Summit. On this day, high-level discussions were held on
the global housing crisis, urbanization policy, and urban
sustainability. Also, as part of WUF13, the Mexico City pavilion
was inaugurated, presented as a key platform for expanding
cooperation with the Latin American region and preparing for
WUF14.
The third day of WUF13 was also marked by an extensive program
of events. Discussions on this day covered topics such as the
global housing crisis, the creation of safe and inclusive cities,
climate resilience, artificial intelligence and urban governance,
“green” urbanization, social equality, and sustainable
transportation.
One of the highlights of the third day was the signing of a
sister-city agreement between the Azerbaijani city of Shusha and
the Turkish city of Trabzon.
The fourth day of WUF13 featured an extensive program of events
dedicated to the themes of urbanization, climate change, inclusive
urban development, housing policy, and sustainable management.
On the fifth day of the forum, discussions continued on the
global housing crisis, the creation of safe and inclusive cities,
climate resilience, the use of artificial intelligence in urban
management, “green” urbanization, and social equality.
One of the key events of the Cities Forum of the United Nations
Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA), held on
the fourth day, was the announcement of Almaty’s official accession
to the “Declaration of Intent on the Establishment of the SPECA
Forum on Smart Cities Resilient to Climate Change.”
Also, for the first time in WUF history, the “WUF13 NGO Forum:
Global Partnership and Decision-Making” was held at the initiative
of Azerbaijan.
The WUF13 Forum, dedicated to the theme “"Housing the world:
Safe and resilient cities and communities", brought together
governments, international organizations, experts, and civil
society representatives to strengthen global cooperation in the
field of sustainable urban development. More than 40,000 people
from 182 countries registered to participate in the forum.
Will be updated
