“The construction of new cities, urbanization, and sustainable development issues are among the main global challenges of the modern era," Katja Schaefer, Interregional Adviser for Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia at the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), said during the event titled “New Capitals and New Cities of Central Asia – Water-Sensitive Urban Planning and Climate-Resilient Housing Provision” held within the framework of WUF13, APA reports.
She stated that during her visits to Central Asian countries, she became closely interested in the concept of new cities, emphasizing that the formation of Astana and the results achieved over the past 30 years are particularly noteworthy.
According to Schaefer, architectural visions regarding the cities of the future and technological innovations such as unmanned air taxis are already among the issues humanity must find answers to.
The UN-Habitat official noted that urbanization dynamics differ in countries such as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, and this also affects the planning of new cities.
Katja Schaefer said that the Middle Corridor creates new economic opportunities for the region and increases investment and employment opportunities.
