UN-Habitat: COP29 has set a new vector for urban development in Baku

Initiatives put forward during COP29 in 2024 have already begun to change the approach to urban development in Baku, including the modernization of public spaces and transport infrastructure, Anna Soave, Head of UN-Habitat in Azerbaijan, said during an event held within the framework of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum 13 in Baku.

According to her, projects linked to COP29 have already set a new direction for urban development in Baku.

"Here in Azerbaijan, I see real momentum: projects related to COP29 in Baku have set the course for the creation of new bicycle lanes, dedicated bus lanes, the reconstruction of the Khagani Garden in the city center, and the redesign of the area around the 28 May Metro Station," she noted.

Soave emphasized that these changes demonstrate the possibility of implementing a people-centered approach in the urban environment.

"This shows that people-centered urban design is entirely achievable, although reconstruction is expensive. These measures should not be viewed as cosmetic improvements. They represent - especially for this city at this moment - a different vector of urban development, which I sincerely welcome and appreciate," the UN-Habitat representative stated.

According to her, WUF13 can strengthen this process if the energy of the forum is transformed into long-term commitments.

She also stressed that housing construction, mobility, climate adaptation, waste management, and the design of public spaces should be viewed as one interconnected system.

Soave noted that modern urban planning is directly linked not only to infrastructure, but also to public health and the social well-being of the population.