Jeyhun Bayramov: Cities are becoming strategic platforms of diplomacy and technology

Modern cities are no longer just places where people live and work; they are turning into strategic platforms where diplomacy, trade, technology, and climate policy intersect, Azerbaijan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov said at an event within the framework of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku.

Report quotes the minister as saying the future of sustainable development will largely depend on how effectively cities are integrated not only physically, but also economically, digitally, and institutionally.

"Today, cities are no longer just spaces where people live and work. They are increasingly becoming strategic platforms where diplomacy, trade, infrastructure, technology, climate action, and regional cooperation intersect," the Foreign Minister emphasized.

Bayramov recalled that about two years ago, during preparations for COP29, Azerbaijan placed urbanization and the role of cities at the center of the global climate agenda.

"We recognized that although cities contribute significantly to global emissions, they are also key drivers of innovation, resilience, and solutions to the climate crisis," the minister said.