WUF13 was important event for Azerbaijan, world — OPINION

The 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) was an important event for both Azerbaijan and the world, Political analyst Ilgar Valizada told Report.

He noted that, as was also highlighted at the forum, the world is currently experiencing rapid urbanization processes, with migration from villages to cities accelerating:

"Over recent decades, this has created certain problems for large cities, agglomerations and developing countries. This is because the infrastructure of these cities or urban-type settlements was not designed for such density.

Roads, residential facilities, access to housing and other factors do not correspond to growing migration and, as a result, create major problems. Certain programs must be developed and solutions identified to address these issues. In particular, for developing countries, the lack of funds further deepens the crisis. At WUF13, participants tried to find answers to all these issues."

According to Valizada, Azerbaijan's experience in this area is important:

"This is because master plans have now been adopted in our country for various areas, including Baku and other cities and settlements, and new rules are being established in line with modern urban development requirements. Of course, this process is also quite complex, but in any case, certain approaches are already being successfully implemented in Azerbaijan.

Wars are taking place in some countries and regions, and their bitter consequences are the destruction of cities, settlements and villages. Societies face a very important question: how can these territories be restored and brought back to life after wars end? Azerbaijan's experience in this exchange of views is also commendable. For nearly 30 years, Azerbaijan's territories were destroyed and devastated by Armenian occupiers, and cities and settlements were completely wiped off the face of the earth. Significant funds have been allocated for their restoration, and major work is being carried out."

The political analyst also added that Azerbaijan's experience in restoration and reconstruction in the liberated territories will be reflected as a positive example in the recommendations and proposals prepared by UN-Habitat:

"The arrival of various experienced specialists in our country, the exchange of views and their familiarization with the situation in Azerbaijan on the ground will also be important for our country. Their recommendations will also be included in our future urban development practices."