China calls cities core infrastructure of urbanisation, urges global cooperation at WUF13

Cities are the critical infrastructure of urbanisation and the future of the world’s cities requires global cooperation, Wang Shengjun, a representative of the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development has stated at a ministerial roundtable during the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, Azerbaijan.

He said the Chinese government will continue to support housing development in various countries, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

Shengjun highlighted initiatives such as World Cities Day and the Sustainable Cities Award, noting that China aims to build international consensus, strengthen cooperation and advance the implementation of the New Urban Agenda, which seeks to improve living conditions globally.

He stressed that China will continue pursuing policies aimed at delivering affordable, high-quality housing for its population.

According to him, quality housing forms the foundation for creating a favourable urban environment, sustainable residential neighbourhoods, well-developed communities, and effective development zones.

“We strive to create innovative, livable, sustainable, civilized, and smart modern cities for people. This is the path of urban modernization with Chinese characteristics,” he explained.

Shengjun added that China upholds high standards in design, material selection, construction and maintenance as guiding principles in building safe, comfortable, environmentally friendly and intelligent housing.

In his view, particular attention is being given to the modernisation of ageing housing stock in urban areas.

These efforts, he said, are producing higher-quality residential complexes with improved infrastructure and greater liveability.

Shengjun made it clear that China is also focusing on developing integrated communities that offer safe, healthy and efficiently managed living environments, noting that renovation plays a key role in shaping dynamic urban spaces.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov