BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 22. During the 13th
session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), a panel discussion takes
place on “Digital Transformation in Historic Cities Smart
Heritage”, Trend
reports.
Participants discuss the role of digital technologies in
managing historic cities, preserving cultural heritage, and
improving the efficiency of urban governance.
The panel focuses on the introduction of “smart heritage”
systems, optimization of tourist flows, transport mobility
management, digitalization of urban services, and data-driven
decision-making. Special attention is given to practical experience
in managing historic areas, using the examples of Icherisheher,
Shusha, and Sheki.
Speakers at the event include Rufat Mahmud, chairman of the
Union of Architects and Administration of the State
Historical-Architectural Reserve “Icherisheher”; Elbay Gasimzade,
chairman of the Union of Architects of Azerbaijan; as well as
representatives of international architectural and expert
organizations.
The discussion is expected to produce proposals and
recommendations aimed at developing sustainable and inclusive
historic cities through modern digital solutions and cultural
heritage management technologies.
Today marks the final day of the 13th session of the World Urban
Forum (WUF13).
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.
The fifth day of WUF13 continued discussions 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 important events of the UN Special Program 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.
