BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 22. Azerbaijan, using its
own financial resources and national potential within the framework
of the ‘Great Return’ program, is building 12 cities and more than
300 villages from scratch, ensuring the safe and dignified return
of former internally displaced persons to their native lands, Anar
Guliyev, Chairman of the State Committee for Urban Planning and
Architecture and National Coordinator of WUF13, said, Trend reports.
He made the remark during the official closing press conference
held within the framework of the 13th session of the United Nations
World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku.
“Hosting WUF13 is an indicator of our national transformation
agenda for Azerbaijan. We are implementing large-scale urban
renewal across the country, modernizing cities, expanding green
infrastructure, improving housing provision, strengthening climate
resilience, and building smarter, more inclusive communities,” he
said.
Guliyev emphasized that one of the most ambitious reconstruction
projects in the world is being implemented in the liberated
territories:
“Cities and villages are being rebuilt based on the principles
of sustainability, smart planning, and human dignity. Azerbaijan,
using its own financial resources and national potential within the
framework of the ‘Great Return’ program, is building 12 cities and
more than 300 villages from scratch, ensuring the safe and
dignified return of former internally displaced persons to their
native lands. Currently, master plans for nearly 110 cities, towns,
and villages have already been approved, while plans for other
settlements are under development.”
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.