Aygun Aliyeva: Inclusive cities go beyond physical infrastructure

The concept of an inclusive city is not limited to physical infrastructure alone, Aygun Aliyeva, Chairperson of the Board of the Agency for State Support to Non-Governmental Organizations of Azerbaijan, said at the event dedicated to the topic "Independent Living and Inclusive Cities for Persons with Disabilities," organized within the framework of Day 3 of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) held in Baku, Report informs.

She noted that the concept of an inclusive city is not limited to physical infrastructure alone:

"This concept also encompasses accessible transportation systems, barrier-free public spaces, an information environment adapted for persons with visual and hearing impairments, as well as equal access to digital services. As a result, such an approach ensures the full and effective participation of all citizens in urban life. Azerbaijan is also implementing a consistent and targeted policy in this direction. The improvement of legislation related to the rights of persons with disabilities, the recognition of Azerbaijani sign language, and the reforms carried out in the social protection system demonstrate the state's systematic approach to this field."

Aliyeva emphasized that the participation of civil society institutions plays a particularly important role in the formation of an inclusive society:

"A number of projects supported by the Agency for State Support to Non-Governmental Organizations contribute to raising public awareness about inclusivity, strengthening the social engagement of persons with disabilities, and fostering a culture of inclusive thinking in society."