Dmytro Shlapachenko: Urban development, climate action inseparable

Urban climate development requires a transition from ambitions to practical implementation, UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan Dmytro Shlapachenko said during Baku Climate Action Week 2026 (BCAW 2026), Report informs.

He noted that sustainable urban development and climate action are inseparable, and cities should be viewed not only as territories vulnerable to the impacts of climate change but also as drivers of climate solutions, innovations, increased resilience, and inclusive growth.

In his opinion, one of the key challenges on the path to COP31 is the transition from climate ambitions to their practical implementation.

"National climate commitments must be reflected in urban development strategies, spatial planning, infrastructure investments, and local-level decision-making," Shlapachenko emphasized.

According to the UN resident coordinator, the Baku Call to Action, adopted following the World Urban Forum in May this year, represents an important roadmap covering integrated urban planning, sustainable infrastructure, nature-based solutions, green building, climate finance, digital innovations, and multi-level governance.

"There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Therefore, we must pool the best practices of different countries so that everyone can benefit from successful experiences," he said.

He also noted the importance of Azerbaijan's experience in creating the position of national coordinator and expressed the opinion that establishing similar positions in other countries and forming a corresponding network would be useful.

Shlapachenko noted that the UN Country Team in Azerbaijan, led by UN-Habitat, will continue to support the country's government in advancing the urban climate agenda, capacity building, providing technical assistance, sharing knowledge, and strengthening partnerships.