Ravan Hasanov: As cities grow, new challenges also emerge

As cities expand, they create new opportunities such as economic growth and innovation, but at the same time bring new challenges, Ravan Hasanov, Executive Director of the Baku International Multiculturalism Center, said during a roundtable at the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, Report informs.

Hasanov stated that inequality is one of the major challenges: "Many communities, including indigenous ones, face various problems in urban life. We all know that most indigenous peoples live in cities. However, our cities have not been properly planned with their needs in mind. Indigenous peoples have limited access to healthcare, housing, education, and employment. They often feel excluded from society and decision-making processes. We must include local communities in policy-making. Urban planning must embrace diversity, because a city is not only a physical space but also a cultural environment for us."

The director highlighted the need for strong partnerships between government institutions, international organizations, and civil society:

"Most importantly, we must adopt new housing programs. These roundtables should not only serve to listen to each other but also to make decisions on solving real problems, helping one another, and strengthening cooperation. I believe the cities of the future should be more modern, efficient, and respectful of all cultures. Here, the knowledge of indigenous peoples can help us, because it is not only about the past but also a valuable source for solving today's and tomorrow's problems. Indigenous peoples have always made decisions in the spirit of community and treated resources with respect. These are exactly the ideas we need for sustainable development today."