Azerbaijan explores mining industry’s impact on urban growth ahead of WUF13

A roundtable discussion titled “The place and role of the mining industry in urban planning solutions” was held in Baku ahead of the World Urban Forum (WUF13).

The event was jointly organized by the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan and the Parliamentary Committee for Natural Resources, Energy and Ecology of the Milli Majlis, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

The roundtable was attended by Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Rashad Ismayilov, chairpersons of the parliamentary committees on natural resources, energy and ecology, as well as on family, women and children affairs, Sadig Gurbanov and Hijran Huseynova.

The event also brought together MPs Fatma Yildirim, Afat Hasanova, Asif Asgarov, Eyvaz Gurbanov and Nigar Arpadarai, along with representatives of state bodies and government institutions, mining companies, experts from the State Agency for the Use of Mineral Resources, AzerGold, and major cement producers Norm and Holcim.

Speakers emphasized that WUF13 is a globally significant strategic platform due to its scope and content, noting that hosting the forum in Baku demonstrates Azerbaijan’s growing leadership in urban planning, sustainable development and environmental protection, both regionally and globally.

Participants discussed the impact of mining activities on urban development and urbanization processes, the reduction of environmental risks from industrial waste, mechanisms for sustainable management, and innovative approaches in the sector.

WUF13 will take place from May 17 to 22 in Baku. The forum is being organized in close cooperation between Azerbaijan and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), and aims to facilitate the exchange of international experience in sustainable urban development, “smart cities,” and innovative urban solutions.

By Vafa Guliyeva