Baku: Anacl¡udia Rossbach, Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), emphasized the importance of creating shared content aligned with the future of cities at the World Urban Forum's 13th session in Baku. Speaking at the 'Academia and Research' roundtable, Rossbach highlighted the need for actions that bolster the capacities of communities, private sectors, civil servants, and other stakeholders across global, local, and national levels.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Rossbach pointed out the significant gaps in evidence, data, and research currently available. She expressed concerns that the data often does not fully address the needs on a global scale, which is a crucial point of discussion at the forum. Rossbach called attention to the innovative efforts of communities, NGOs, universities, researchers, and local governments, particularly in the Global South, as they strive to overcome these challenges.

Rossbach further discussed the disconnect between regions with strong research potential and those closer to practice but lacking resources and opportunities. She identified this mismatch as a fundamental structural issue that needs urgent attention. Additionally, she noted that UN-Habitat frequently receives calls for capacity development, training, and skills enhancement, underscoring the necessity of shared content that aligns with the New Urban Agenda and its integration into partner training and capacity development programs.