BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 19. Today, cities account for about 70% of global energy consumption and a significant share of greenhouse gas emissions, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Energy Parviz Shahbazov said, Trend reports.
Speaking at the “High-Level Dialogue on Energy and Urban Development in D-8 Countries” event, as part of the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, he noted that this makes it necessary for D-8 countries to promote urban development based on renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, and climate-resilient solutions.
The minister noted that this makes it necessary for D-8 countries to promote urban development based on renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, and climate-resilient solutions.
“Against the backdrop of rapid urbanization, energy security challenges, and climate change, ‘green’ and ‘smart’ cities have become not only a development model but also a key driver of the global energy transition.
As D8 countries, we have rapidly growing cities and significant renewable energy potential. Realizing this potential requires strengthening the links between the energy transition and urban development, as well as increasing green investments and innovation,” he emphasized.
Shahbazov stated that Azerbaijan is promoting green energy as a strategic priority: “We are implementing large-scale projects in the field of renewable energy and cross-border energy corridors, creating green energy zones, improving energy efficiency, and modernizing power grids.”
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.
