Orazov: 'We expect new initiatives in urban development and urban planning from WUF13 in Baku'

Turkmenistan expects the WUF13 forum in Baku to open up new opportunities for developing initiatives in urban development and urban studies, Deryageldi Orazov, chairman of the State Committee for Construction of Arkadag City under the President of Turkmenistan, said at the WUF13 Leaders' Summit, Report informs.

"We congratulate you on the opening of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum – the leading global conference on sustainable urbanization, organized by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) with the support of the Government of Azerbaijan. We wish the forum every success. Today, cities are key centers of the rapidly developing global economy. One of the key processes in their development is urbanization. Urbanization (ed.) views cities as complex systems that unite people, space, and technology. Urban studies integrates knowledge from various fields – architecture, urban planning, sociology, economics, ecology, and geography. Overall, this is one of the key processes in the modern world," he noted.

Orazov emphasized that sustainable urban development is impossible without an environmental approach and addressing global challenges.

He also expressed gratitude to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for his traditional hospitality and warm welcome.

Orazov also emphasized that Arkadag was built relatively recently and has already established itself as a "smart, environmentally friendly, and safe city."

"The idea for a new, modern city belongs to the national leader of the Turkmen people, who conducted extensive analytical work to select its construction site. Under his leadership, a master plan for the city was developed, taking into account the natural features of the area. The design took into account natural and climatic conditions, wind patterns, seismic activity, the availability of utility infrastructure, and green spaces-all factors that contribute to maintaining the region's ecological balance. Particular attention was paid during construction to implementing the concept of a safe, green, and smart city. The concept of a smart city is based on the integration of modern information and communication technologies, creating a unified system for managing city services and improving the quality of life for the population," he added.