Baku: Housing issues must remain at the center of our urban policies and political commitments, emphasized the Chairman of the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture, Anar Guliyev, during his speech at the closing session of the Ministerial Meeting on the New Urban Agenda (NUA). The meeting was part of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) held in Baku.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Guliyev highlighted the relevance and vital importance of the New Urban Agenda in addressing the increasingly complex challenges facing cities today. He stressed that ambitions to tackle these challenges must grow stronger. During the national statements and thematic panels of the forum, it was evident that housing issues are critical to urban policies and political commitments.

Guliyev noted the inseparable connection between the housing agenda and the climate agenda. The manner in which cities are built and expanded will shape not only urban well-being but also the climate future. He pointed out that housing serves as a key intersection between urban development and climate action, offering protection against environmental threats such as floods and heatwaves, while also reducing emissions through energy-efficient buildings.

The importance of aligning urban and climate agendas was underscored by Guliyev, as resilient and sustainable housing contributes to the protection of communities and supports the transition to low-carbon cities. He advocated for compact urban planning, green mobility, and nature-based solutions to enhance environmental sustainability and improve the quality of life.