“At a time when geopolitical tensions, confrontations and conflicts dominate the attention of world leaders, WUF once again demonstrated that the World Urban Forum remains the leading global platform on sustainable urbanization and human settlements, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed said at the official closing press conference of WUF13, APA reports.
The UN Deputy Secretary-General noted that the World Urban Forum is the main platform bringing together governments, civil society, the private sector, academia, youth and international organizations for a shared urban future.
Amina Mohammed stressed that the housing issue is one of the main challenges requiring not only global but also local action.
According to her, housing policy in urban and rural communities should be based on the principles of human dignity, social welfare and sustainability.
She also highly appreciated the work carried out by Azerbaijan in the areas of reconstruction and reintegration. The UN official stated that the country’s experience serves as an example in terms of restoring infrastructure, reconnecting communities and unlocking economic potential.
Amina Mohammed added that amid problems such as climate change, conflicts, the housing crisis and the growing debt burden in the world, multilateral cooperation carries even greater importance.
She noted that resolving the housing crisis requires coordination not only from one institution, but across many sectors, including healthcare, transport, energy, social protection and climate policy.
The UN Deputy Secretary-General stressed that cities must be accessible and inclusive for everyone in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. In this regard, the needs of women, youth, persons with disabilities, the elderly, migrants and internally displaced persons must receive special attention: “We leave Baku with renewed determination to work together to build more inclusive, sustainable communities and cities that place human dignity at the center.”
Amina Mohammed also noted that the work carried out by Azerbaijan in reconstruction, peacebuilding and development in its territories serves as an example in terms of restoring infrastructure, reintegrating communities and unlocking economic potential.”
