Amir Reza: WUF13 has become a key platform for global urban planning discussions

The 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) held in Baku has become an important discussion platform in the field of global urbanization and housing policy, Amir Reza, Director of the Punjab Housing and Town Planning Agency (PHATA) in Pakistan, told Report on the sidelines of WUF13 held in Baku.

He highly appreciated the international significance of the forum and its role in experience exchange: "This forum will definitely help everyone participating and the whole world. This is an important initiative for Punjab, and other countries can also benefit from this forum by obtaining information and even apply this experience in their own countries. Undoubtedly, people will receive more information and support through this forum."

Raza emphasized that the forum was very well organized: "There is a very beautiful atmosphere here. This is my first time visiting Baku. There is a very pleasant environment, beautiful weather, and very friendly people. I am truly very happy to be in Baku."

The director noted the importance of resilience and environmental compatibility principles in the housing sector: "We mainly deal with the housing sector, and my message to the people here is about resilience in the housing sector. I believe that construction work should be resilient and compatible with the existing ecological conditions of the country. I recommend to people all over the world that they take the Punjab government's initiative as an example and pay attention to the resilient, especially affordable housing sector."

He spoke about the broad opportunities the forum created for participating countries: "Of course, this is a great opportunity for all countries. Each country can present and showcase its products. People coming from other countries also get the chance to take good ideas from here and implement them in their own countries. Our Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is very active in housing and other initiatives, has also come to Baku and will participate in the opening of the pavilion tomorrow. His meetings with officials from other sectors are also planned. There are very good friendly relations between Baku and Pakistan, and we hope that these ties will further strengthen and expand in the future."