BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 19. An event on the theme "Early Warning and Climate-Resilient Cities" has been held within the framework of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, Trend reports.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Umayra Taghiyeva stated that the climate crisis, climate change, and the loss of biodiversity make the creation of a new system essential for the sustainable development and resilience of cities and communities.
According to her, climate change ecosystems in many cities are not suitably structured for living, observation, and sustainability. Azerbaijan has also faced various environmental problems and climate-related hazards. It is highly critical to construct resilient buildings and infrastructure against risks and disasters associated with climate change in cities.
Mukhtar Babayev, Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Climate Issues, noted in his speech that climate-resilient cities must be a core element of urban planning:
"This process requires a unified and coordinated approach. No country can tackle these challenges alone, and Azerbaijan actively contributes to dialogue and international cooperation in this direction."
Hijran Huseynova, Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Family, Women, and Children Affairs, drew attention to climate change, the formation of resilient cities, and the protection of vulnerable people, specifically emphasizing the safety of women and children in this process.
First Deputy Chairman of the Azerbaijan State Water Resources Agency Khayyam Mammadov spoke about the country's support for global programs in the fight against climate change:
"Important initiatives were put forward in this direction at COP29. Private companies and the state are cooperating jointly in this area. By bringing together engineering technologies, an automated observation and monitoring system is being formed."
Deputy Minister of Emergency Situations Jabrayil Khanlarov stated that public awareness, disaster risk planning and implementation at the local level, as well as the organization of communication systems, hold vital importance.
Dimitris Avramopoulos, European Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs, and Citizenship from 2014 to 2019, noted in his speech that early warning systems and climate resilience issues must be considered together:
"In urban policies, it is crucial to develop sustainability, strengthen infrastructure, and preserve the balance between cities and nature. Green corridors, sustainable water systems, and the reduction of carbon emissions are key directions. Science-based policies should be pursued, and long-term international cooperation must be strengthened."
Deputy Minister of Agriculture Ilhama Gadimova drew attention to the new risks posed to Azerbaijan by rising global temperatures, drought dynamics, declining freshwater resources, and other extreme hydrometeorological events. She noted that the agricultural sector is the most vulnerable area to these threats. Since agriculture directly depends on climate factors and is a strategic sector ensuring the country's macroeconomic stability and food security, increasing resilience in this direction is a priority task.
The event continued with a panel discussion.
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.
