BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 22. During the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), a panel discussion takes place on “Digital Transformation in Historic Cities Smart Heritage”, Trend reports.
Participants discuss the role of digital technologies in managing historic cities, preserving cultural heritage, and improving the efficiency of urban governance.
The panel focuses on the introduction of “smart heritage” systems, optimization of tourist flows, transport mobility management, digitalization of urban services, and data-driven decision-making. Special attention is given to practical experience in managing historic areas, using the examples of Icherisheher, Shusha, and Sheki.
Speakers at the event include Rufat Mahmud, chairman of the Union of Architects and Administration of the State Historical-Architectural Reserve “Icherisheher”; Elbay Gasimzade, chairman of the Union of Architects of Azerbaijan; as well as representatives of international architectural and expert organizations.
The discussion is expected to produce proposals and recommendations aimed at developing sustainable and inclusive historic cities through modern digital solutions and cultural heritage management technologies.
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.
