BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 22. Urban development
should be planned taking into account the principles of social
well-being and climate sustainability, Azerbaijan's Minister of
Ecology and Natural Resources Rashad Ismayilov said at an event
titled “Strategic Environmental Assessment as a tool for achieving
climate targets in urban planning” in Baku within the framework of
the 13th Session of the UN World Urban Forum (WUF13), Trend reports.


He noted that in modern times, the acceleration of urbanization,
climate change, and environmental problems have pushed states to
adopt more sustainable and long-term approaches.


According to the minister, the consequences of climate change
are felt all over the world: droughts, water shortages, extreme
natural phenomena - forest fires, floods, sea level rise, reduction
of inland water bodies, melting glaciers, as well as land
degradation and loss of biodiversity are the most obvious examples
of these impacts. Cities are also affected by these phenomena.


"The development of cities and the provision of housing must now
be planned not only in terms of economic indicators, but also
taking into account the principles of environmental protection,
social well-being, and climate sustainability.


The introduction of "green" technologies, efficient use of
energy, as well as the transition to a circular economy and digital
governance are necessary to meet the needs of current and future
generations," he added.


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 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.