BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 19. The International Urban Planning Forum (IUPF) intends to strengthen the participation of local communities and underrepresented regions in the global urban development agenda, the President and Chairman of the Board of Directors for the International Urban Professionals Forum (IUPF), Rolf Schuett, said, Trend reports.
Speaking at the panel discussion on "Bridging Grassroots Communities and Global Urban Expertise" at the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13), Schuett noted that true sustainability cannot be achieved solely through top-down policies. '' We must also take into account the voices of people excluded from the global discussion on housing and urban development,” he said.
According to Schuett, the IUPF’s activities are inspired by the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly reducing inequality, developing sustainable cities and communities, and strengthening global partnerships.
He noted that one of the organization’s key initiatives will be the Emerging Communities Forum, which will take place in October in collaboration with the Istanbul Urban Planning Agency.
“We want to use new technologies, invite community leaders to share their stories, introduce participants to urban initiatives, and create a space not only for professionals and academics, but also for ordinary people,” Schuett emphasized.
In addition, the IUPF is launching a capacity-building program for young professionals in the field of urban studies in collaboration with the Salzburg University of Applied Sciences in Austria.
“The goal of the program is to develop innovative urban solutions that can integrate Istanbul’s infrastructure and social aspects,” he noted.
According to Schuett, the newly formed IUPF coalition attracted more than 10 partners within the first 24 hours of its launch.
“This demonstrates the significant demand for collaboration among institutions, communities, and individuals who cannot afford to participate in such forums,” he added.
Meanwhile, 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.
