Expert: WUF13 key to future urban development policy

The discussions held at the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) play an important role in shaping future urban development policy, said Mehmet Duman, the Secretary-General of United Cities and Local Governments Middle East and West Asia (UCLG-MEWA).

In an interview with Azerbaijani state media on the sidelines of WUF13, Duman said the forum serves as a key platform for addressing housing and urbanization challenges globally.

He noted that immediate tangible results should not be expected from the event, stressing that the knowledge and experience shared at WUF13 would, over time, contribute to national development efforts.

“WUF13 is an important platform for exchanging experience in addressing housing and urbanization problems in different countries. Engineers, architects, and administrators learn here how housing challenges are being addressed in various cities around the world. It is a major source of knowledge and experience,” Duman said.

He added that housing shortages and climate change remain among the world’s most pressing challenges, emphasizing that housing should be viewed as a fundamental right rather than a luxury.

“States must take steps to ensure this right and pursue proper urban development policies,” Duman noted.

By Vafa Guliyeva