Baku: 'By 2030, approximately 30% of the world's urban population will live in member countries of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC),' said Zehra Zmrt Sel§uk, Director General of the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC). She made this statement during her speech at a panel discussion titled 'Empowering SMEs as essential contributors to the creation of sustainable, inclusive, and resilient cities.' The panel took place at the Business and Innovation Centre within the 'Urban Expo' exhibition during the 13th Session of the UN World Urban Forum (WUF13).

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Zehra Zmrt Sel§uk highlighted the accelerating trend of urbanization within OIC member countries. Currently, about a quarter of the world's urban population resides in these countries, and projections indicate that this figure will increase to approximately 30% by 2030. She emphasized that OIC member countries are expected to undergo a faster rate of urbanization in comparison to the global average.