Baku: Cities are increasingly exposed to infrastructure disruptions linked to climate change, as highlighted by Mukhtar Babayev, the Representative of the President of Azerbaijan for Climate Issues. During a video address to participants at the 13th Session of the UN World Urban Forum (WUF13), Babayev emphasized the dual role cities play in both exacerbating and mitigating climate risks.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Babayev cited statistics from UN-Habitat that underscore urban areas' significant contribution to global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Despite occupying less than 2% of the Earth's surface, cities consume nearly 78% of global energy and generate more than 60% of greenhouse gas emissions. He pointed out that urban areas are increasingly vulnerable to climate-induced disruptions such as floods, heat waves, droughts, and storms.

Babayev stressed that these disruptions are not distant threats but are currently impacting economies, public health, and energy systems, affecting millions of lives globally. He highlighted the importance of sustainable practices in transitioning sustainability from a theoretical concept into tangible actions. These practices enhance accountability, bolster institutional capacity, and promote efficient resource utilization across public and private sectors.

The development of Azerbaijan's First National Sustainability Standard, the Sustainable Practices Standard (SPS), represents a crucial step forward. Babayev noted that this initiative marks an important milestone, reflecting a broader understanding that sustainable development should transcend strategies and declarations. It must be integrated into planning processes, project management, and daily institutional practices, cementing sustainability as a core component of urban development.