Baku: Urbanization in small island states further increases climate risks, Kazuko Ishigaki, Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific at the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), said during the special session titled 'Inclusive Urban Resilience, Blue Economy and Sustainable Tourism in Small Island Developing States' held within the framework of WUF13, APA-Economics reports.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Ishigaki highlighted the numerous challenges faced by small island states, including rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and an increase in climate-related natural disasters. The small economies, limited connectivity, and land shortages prevalent in these regions exacerbate these challenges.

Kazuko Ishigaki noted that the challenges are becoming more acute with accelerating urbanization, which increases the demand for housing, essential services, sustainable infrastructure, and inclusive planning. She mentioned that the increasing competition for land and public resources, along with frequent disaster-related expenditures, underscores the need for long-term climate adaptation and sustainable development solutions.

The UN-Habitat official pointed out that while cities present risks, they are also hubs of innovation, cultural identity, and community leadership. She emphasized the potential for small island states to develop the blue economy and sustainable tourism, given their oceanic surroundings.

Kazuko Ishigaki further stressed the importance of integrating housing policy, land governance, climate adaptation, blue economy, and sustainable tourism policies. She asserted that achieving this goal requires joint cooperation among governments, local communities, regional organizations, development partners, academic circles, and the private sector.