UN-Habitat pushes new sustainable development model for mountain communities

UN-Habitat is advancing new approaches to the sustainable development of mountain communities, emphasising climate resilience, biodiversity protection and compact urban planning, according to a statement delivered at WUF13.

According to local media, Erfan Ali, Director of the UN-Habitat Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, said in remarks presented by Anastasia Mikhaylova, Head of the organisation’s office in the Russian Federation, that developing tailored solutions for mountain regions remains a key priority for UN-Habitat.

The statement, presented at the Interparliamentary Assembly of CIS Member Nations during the World Urban Forum 13, highlighted that a dedicated UN thematic programme is focused on mountain region development.

UN-Habitat said its urban planning approach in mountainous areas takes into account local climatic conditions, cultural specificities and the need to preserve fragile ecosystems. The model prioritises compact and interconnected settlements designed to limit urban sprawl while strengthening infrastructure efficiency and social inclusion.

The agency also underlined ongoing cooperation with countries across the Commonwealth of Independent States, including Azerbaijan, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, to support sustainable and resilient mountain development strategies.

By Aghakazim Guliyev