Coulibaly: UN-Habitat cooperation with Azerbaijan could become bridge for experience exchange with Africa

Cooperation between UN-Habitat and Azerbaijan could become a bridge for exchanging experience with Africa, Mohamed Coulibaly, UN-Habitat programme coordinator in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, said on the sidelines of World Urban Forum 13.

Report quotes him as saying meetings are already planned with urban development specialists in Azerbaijan, as well as with the UN-Habitat office and representatives of the country's government.

"This cooperation is already beginning and could become an important bridge between Africa and Azerbaijan, including the exchange of experience in urban development and sustainable urbanization," he noted.

Coulibaly stressed that such contacts would help expand interregional cooperation and transfer successful practices to other countries.

Speaking about Baku, he highlighted the city's high level of urban planning and management.

"I saw a very developed and well-planned city. Despite the heavy rain in the morning, even the flooding that occurred was minor and well managed. This demonstrates a high level of urban organization," he said.

He also added that the conference had made a positive impression on him.

"The event is very well organized: there are assistants everywhere helping participants, and the sessions are being held at a high level," the coordinator emphasized.

He noted that he hopes to use the experience gained in Baku in his work with African countries.

"My goal is to obtain practical examples of urban planning and urbanization here and then share them with developing countries in Africa," he added.