BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. Authorities in Azerbaijan are emphasizing the need to create modern conditions in historic buildings while preserving their cultural and historical value, said Sabina Hajiyeva, Head of the State Service for the Protection, Development, and Restoration of Cultural Heritage at the Ministry of Culture, Trend reports.
She made the remarks at the event “Rethinking Cultural Heritage and Inclusive Urban Regeneration,” held as part of the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13.
Hajiyeva stressed that urban regeneration should not focus on individual buildings alone but must consider the preservation of entire historic structures and areas.
“For example, people still live in Icherisheher today. A lot of effort has been put into its preservation. We do not view Icherisheher as just a tourist zone. It also reflects history in itself,” she said.
Today marks the fourth day of WUF13 in Baku.
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.
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.
