BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 10. National
climate commitments are implemented through decisions regarding
territories, including construction, housing and infrastructure
provision, population displacement, management of land and natural
systems, and protection of the population from climate risks, the
chairman of Azerbaijan’s State Committee on Urban Planning and
Architecture, Anar Guliyev said during Baku Climate Action Week,
Trend's correspondent
reports from the event.


“This is precisely why urban and territorial planning is not
just one of many sectors. Planning translates climate ambitions
into territorial priorities and investment decisions. Such a
comprehensive approach is also important for post-crisis
infrastructure.


Azerbaijan’s ‘Great Return’ program demonstrates how recovery
can become a long-term process of territorial transformation,
integrating spatial planning, housing, infrastructure, public
services, and economic development, while ensuring
sustainability—including environmental sustainability—from the very
beginning,” he noted.


According to the chairman, in the run-up to COP31, it is
necessary to strengthen the link between global governance and
local implementation with the support of integrated planning,
governments, financial institutions, and partners.


“The value of today’s dialogue will ultimately be measured not
by the commitments made, but by partnerships, investments, and
practical solutions,” Guliyev said.


He also emphasized the importance of the regional dimension and
the global implementation of climate solutions.







"Global governance is not only an important part of this process
but also an important part of development.


Azerbaijan has consistently promoted this approach within the
framework of COP29 and COP30.


At COP29, we launched a cross-sectoral action pathway to
accelerate the sustainability of our cities,” he said.


According to him, sustainable and healthy cities cannot be
created through the fragmented implementation of climate, housing,
transportation, health, environmental, waste management, and
infrastructure policies.


“We need shared priorities, coordinated actions, and close
alignment between sectors and levels of government,” Guliyev
said.