The urban population in Central and Western Asia has increased by 35-45% over the past decade, Samad Bashirli, Azerbaijan’s Deputy Minister of Economy, said during the forum titled “Cities Special Forum: Housing Solutions for an Inclusive and Sustainable Urban Future” held within the framework of WUF13, APA reports.
“This rapid urbanization is not merely a demographic trend. It represents a profound structural transformation of the entire economic, infrastructure, and social framework of our nations. Strengthening the SPECA platform today is no longer simply a matter of ‘economic expediency.’ It has become a key strategic necessity for ensuring the stability and security of our shared region. By bringing our municipalities together, we are creating a predictable, rules-based, and mutually beneficial environment in which we can address common urban challenges in a highly coordinated manner. From the digitalization of the Middle Corridor to the emergence of smart, climate-resilient urban centers, SPECA has evolved into a flexible engine capable of meeting modern demands,” he said.
He noted that a city that cannot effectively provide its workforce with sustainable, safe, and quality housing inevitably limits its long-term economic expansion potential.
“Our region is facing an unprecedented demand for the modernization of housing stock. We choose to view this challenge not as a burden, but as a major economic opportunity to attract green investment, develop public-private partnerships, and promote technological advancement in our industrial sectors. At the same time, our urban development philosophy in Azerbaijan is based on the concept of ‘perfect harmony.’ We firmly believe that preserving our rich historical and architectural heritage must go hand in hand with the necessity for profound modernization. We bear the responsibility of building cities for the 22nd century without compromising the cultural identity of our ancient centers,” he added.
