BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 19. Azerbaijan attaches special importance to the development of education, human capital, and creative infrastructure, Saadat Yusifova, Deputy Minister of Culture of Azerbaijan, said during a panel session on "UNESCO Creative Cities and Sustainable Urban Development" held within the framework of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, Trend reports.
She highlighted the ongoing advancement of incubation programs and educational initiatives within the country.
"Incubation programs in gaming and cultural technologies, scholarship and certification programs, as well as grant support for NGOs, contribute to forming a new generation of creative professionals," she said.
Yusifova also noted the expansion of the country's institutional framework.
"The Center for Development of Culture and Creative Industries operating in Baku provides professional opportunities for creators, and we plan to expand this model to the regions," she emphasized.
The third day of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) is underway in Baku.
On the first day, a ministerial meeting dedicated to the New Urban Agenda, a roundtable of ministers, assemblies of women and civil society, business sessions, and discussions on urban well-being were held. A ceremony for raising the flags of the United Nations and Azerbaijan also took place within the framework of the forum.
The second day of the forum drew attention with the first-ever Leaders Summit. High-level discussions on the global housing crisis, urbanization policy, and urban resilience were held that day. At the same time, the Mexico City pavilion was inaugurated within the framework of WUF13. The pavilion was presented as an important platform for expanding cooperation with the Latin American region and preparing for WUF14.
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.
