Baku hosts first D-8 Youth Dialogue to promote sustainable urban development

For the first time, the D-8 Youth Dialogue is being held in Baku, local media reports.

The opening ceremony was attended by prominent officials and dignitaries, including Azerbaijan’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Farid Gayibov; Secretary-General of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, Ambassador Isiaka Abdulqadir Imam; Chairman of the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of Azerbaijan, Anar Guliyev; Lead Negotiator for COP29 and Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister, Yalchin Rafiyev; UN Young Leader for the Sustainable Development Goals and Director of Communications and Outreach at JSRI, Merna Alzurikat; and the special guest of the event, Somalia’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Mohamed Abdulkadir Ali.

The dialogue is organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Azerbaijan under the theme: "Youth Shaping the Future of the Global Urban Agenda: Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Cities of Tomorrow."

The forum aims to strengthen regional and international cooperation among young people, enhance their capacity for innovation and employment, and expand their role in creating sustainable, inclusive, and environmentally friendly urban environments.

Key discussions at the event include:

• "Human Capital Development and Sustainable Urbanisation – Youth as a Leading Force for Development"

• "Sustainable Urbanisation: Youth and the Future of Cities"

• "Transformation for Smart and Inclusive Cities"

The dialogue provides a platform for young leaders to contribute ideas and strategies for shaping the cities of tomorrow while promoting sustainability and climate resilience.

By Tamilla Hasanova