Rossbach: Azerbaijan stands at the intersection of the most important global discussions on urban development, the environment, and climate action, Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Anacl¡udia Rossbach said in a video message sent to an international event dedicated to World Environment Day (WED) hosted by Azerbaijan, APA reports.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Rossbach highlighted that Baku has already hosted COP29, the World Urban Forum, and several international events dedicated to World Environment Day. The city is also set to host the official Climate Week of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) soon. Rossbach emphasized that the Government of Azerbaijan is actively coordinating global agendas through initiatives like the Baku Sustainability Coalition, which connects past, current, and future COP presidencies. This coalition aims to promote an integrated approach that ties together urban development and climate agendas, aligning with both the Paris Agreement and the New Urban Agenda.

Rossbach also mentioned the Baku Call to Action from the World Urban Forum, which serves as a reminder of the necessity for cities to develop in harmony with natural systems. The theme for this year's World Environment Day, 'Inspired by Nature, Taking Action for Climate and Our Future,' further supports this integrated approach. The Baku Call to Action highlights the importance of housing as a fundamental element of sustainable urban development, reinforcing Azerbaijan's commitment to leading discussions at the intersection of urban and environmental challenges.