WUF13 hosts dialogue on climate-resilient cities in Caspian region

A high-level dialogue titled "Climate-Resilient Cities and Communities in the Caspian Region: Vertical Climate Financing for Urban Adaptation" was held as part of the 13th session of the United Nations World Urban Forum (WUF13), Report informs.

Report informs that the event brought together senior government representatives, UN officials, international financial institutions and development partners.

The event discussed how climate finance, partnerships and innovations can support scalable and people-centered urban adaptation.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, First Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Aghakarim Samadzada said the impacts of climate change are becoming more critical every year, noting that rising temperatures and declining water resources are creating new challenges.

It was noted that the decline in the water level of the Caspian Sea has already become a serious problem. It was stressed that this affects the lives of millions of people, from the fishing sector to the population living in coastal areas, the tourism economy and the overall ecosystem.

It was also noted that for Azerbaijan, the Caspian Sea is an important heritage and a sensitive natural system. In this regard, the country is putting forward important initiatives at both national and regional levels.

The event continued with discussions moderated by Mahir Aliyev, regional coordinator of the UN Environment Programme's Europe Office. The discussions were attended by UN-Habitat Executive Director Anacláudia Rossbach, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNEP Deputy Executive Director Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Rauf Hajiyev, Director of the Climate Action Division at the International Organization for Migration Rania Sharshr, and others.