UK calls to speed up sustainable urbanization goals at WUF13

By hosting the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), Azerbaijan is providing an important international platform to demonstrate the role of modern urban development in strengthening resilience, improving housing conditions, and expanding access to opportunities, UK Ambassador to Azerbaijan Fergus Auld said at the ministerial roundtable within the framework of WUF13 in Baku, Report informs.

"As the host of WUF13, Azerbaijan has become an important platform for demonstrating how modern urban development can deliver tangible benefits for communities, including improved housing conditions, digital connectivity, and access to economic opportunities," he said.

The ambassador noted that the forum would help accelerate the implementation of sustainable urbanization goals through 2036. "The UK welcomes this ministerial session as a timely opportunity to reaffirm commitments and accelerate the implementation of sustainable urbanization through 2036," Auld emphasized.

According to Auld, despite the progress achieved, the world continues to face problems of uneven development, growing social inequality, and increasing pressure in the housing sector.

"The main problem lies not in the absence of principles, but in the gap at the implementation stage," the ambassador noted.

He also reaffirmed the UK's commitment to the New Urban Agenda and its role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.