Baku: Albanian Deputy Prime Minister Albana Ko§iu, during her speech at the Leaders' Session of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, emphasized the city's transformation under President Ilham Aliyev's leadership into a hub for global dialogue and resilience. She acknowledged Baku as a key center for global connectivity, dialogue, and future-oriented initiatives, highlighting its role as a platform not only for energy connectivity but also for international cooperation and the exchange of ideas.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Ko§iu praised initiatives such as the Baku Process, the Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, COP29, and various climate action and resilience initiatives, which have established Baku as a focal point for addressing pressing global issues. She pointed out the particular relevance of WUF13's theme, 'Housing the World: Safe and Sustainable Cities and Communities,' amidst global challenges, noting that the global housing crisis affects approximately 3 billion people.
In her address, Ko§iu highlighted the critical issues behind these statistics, including families living without security, children lacking essential services, and communities vulnerable to natural disasters. She also discussed Albania's transformation process in urbanization and urban planning, particularly the significant reconstruction of Tirana after communism, which marked an important turning point for the country.
Ko§iu emphasized the success of Albania's 'urban renaissance' program in creating greener, more comfortable cities open to economic opportunities. She noted the dramatic increase in tourism from 4.1 million visitors in 2015 to over 12.4 million in 2025, reflecting the positive impact of these urban initiatives.
The 2019 earthquake in Albania served as a pivotal lesson, underscoring that housing represents not just shelter but also security and dignity. Ko§iu stated that Albania is now transitioning to a new stage of development focused on sustainable construction, green cities, and 'smart city' technologies, emphasizing that smart cities are an essential need of the present.