BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 22. The speed of service
delivery to Icherisheher residents has increased by approximately
70% following the establishment of the ASAN Xidmət Service Center,
Chairman of the Board of the “Icherisheher” State
Historical-Architectural Reserve Administration Rufat Mahmud said,
Trend reports.


He made the remark at a panel discussion titled “Digital
Transformation in Historic Cities - Smart Heritage, Data-Driven
Governance, and Inclusive Urban Futures” in Baku within the
framework of the 13th Session of the UN World Urban Forum
(WUF13).


According to him, improving the quality and speed of service to
residents has become one of the key results of the implementation
of the new Icherisheher management strategy.


Mahmud noted that the reserve administration is currently
implementing the "Smart Reserve" concept, which includes
digitalization of management, infrastructure development, the
introduction of digital services, and closer interaction with
residents.


He emphasized that Icherisheher remains a unique "living city,"
home to over 3,000 people, unlike many historic districts around
the world that have become purely tourist areas.


According to the head of the administration, a population census
is being conducted in Icherisheher, a digital real estate cadastre
is being created, and a digital inventory and certification of
monuments is being implemented.


"In a few months, we will have complete information about
Icherisheher residents, including age distribution, family income
sources, and other data necessary for effective governance," he
said.


Mahmud also announced the creation of a Community Center to
foster interaction with residents and the launch of a mobile app
for users.


He added that the main goal of the Icherisheher development
strategy is to preserve the historical area as a comfortable and
sustainable living space, not just as a tourist attraction.


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.