Baku: United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed emphasized the significance of the World Urban Forum (WUF) as a leading global platform on sustainable urbanization during the official closing press conference of WUF13. The forum, which brought together diverse stakeholders from governments, civil society, the private sector, academia, and international organizations, focused on the shared goal of achieving a sustainable urban future.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Amina Mohammed highlighted the pressing need for addressing housing challenges globally and locally. She emphasized that effective housing policy should be informed by principles of human dignity, social welfare, and sustainability. The Deputy Secretary-General praised Azerbaijan for its efforts in reconstruction and reintegration, noting that the country's initiatives serve as a model for restoring infrastructure and reconnecting communities.

Amidst global challenges such as climate change, conflicts, and the housing crisis, Amina Mohammed underscored the critical importance of multilateral cooperation. She stated that addressing the housing crisis necessitates coordinated efforts across multiple sectors, including healthcare, transport, energy, social protection, and climate policy.

The UN official called for cities to be accessible and inclusive to meet the Sustainable Development Goals, stressing the need to prioritize the needs of women, youth, persons with disabilities, the elderly, migrants, and internally displaced persons. She concluded by expressing a renewed determination to collaborate on building more inclusive and sustainable communities and cities that prioritize human dignity.