Azerbaijan recognizes the critical role of cities in shaping the country's future and the future of the entire planet. As one of the fastest-growing regions in terms of urbanization, Azerbaijan is deeply committed to addressing the challenges and seizing the opportunities that come with this rapid urban growth, Anar Guliyev, chairman of the State Committee for Urban Development and Architecture of Azerbaijan, said at the Ministerial Meeting on Urbanization and Climate Change at COP29 in Baku, Report informs.
"SURGe launched by the inaugural COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh and CHAMP at COP28 in Dubai have already made tremendous contributions by creating spaces for dialogue and fostering cooperation in addressing key urbanization challenges. Today we proudly launch the MAP – Multisectoral Actions Pathways for Resilient and Healthy Cities, an initiative that integrates lessons learned from previous initiatives while adding an important new dimension," he noted.
"MAP emphasizes the need for a sectoral approach bringing together efforts across multiple sectors and levels of governance. On nature and health, it promotes health equity and fostering nature-positive urban developments as well as calls for strengthening urban climate resilience. It promotes innovative technologies to reduce pollution and ensure the efficiency of all resources. MAP also calls for policies and frameworks to encourage sustainable construction practices. Recognizing that sustainable transport systems are essential to reducing emissions and improving mobility MAP encourages stakeholders for enhancing human-centered transportation systems.
To achieve these goals MAP calls for stronger partnerships among UN agencies and intergovernmental organizations, Multi Development Banks, philanthropic organizations and other stakeholders for stronger actions, and coordination of the resource mobilization for cities. MAP also emphasizes building linkages between World Urban Forums, COPs, World Environment Days, and other relevant global and regional platforms for dialogue, actions, and initiatives. It encourages the WUF host governments to appoint a Special Envoy for Urban Climate Action. Azerbaijan will proudly host the coming WUF13 in 2026, and we will be happy to establish the first-ever institution of the Special Envoy for Urban Climate Action and take practical actions that our commitments generate tangible results," he added.
"In this regard, I am particularly honored to emphasize the establishment of the Baku Continuity Coalition. We are thankful to our colleagues in this group to Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Brazil and UN-Habitat who are important players for the urbanization and climate legacy.
By signing for the establishment of the Baku Continuity Coalition we are sending a powerful message: that the future of our cities will be shaped by collaboration, innovation, and a deep commitment," he said.