Anar Guliyev: Sustainable urban development is key focus

The sustainable development and inclusive planning of world cities has become a key topic of discussion on global partnership platforms, the Chairman of the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture, Anar Guliyev, said at the joint opening session of the assemblies within the framework of the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) held in Baku, according to Report.

He emphasized the role of the opportunities created by WUF13 for solving the housing problem in the world: "Today, the global housing crisis is at the center of our discussions. Housing is not just about buildings; it means dignity, safety, and opportunities. That is precisely why WUF, as a large-scale platform, is of great importance, and its true power lies in its inclusivity."

The committee chairman also spoke about the value given to women's rights in the country: "Azerbaijan is proud to be the first country in the Muslim world to grant women the right to vote and be elected in 1918. Today, women hold senior positions in government, parliament, science, architecture, and the private sector. This process begins at the national level with women, who are among the most active members of our society. The same approach is also applied in post-conflict reconstruction efforts, in smart city and smart village projects, where women's participation and equal opportunities remain a priority. Civil society, in turn, serves as a strong pillar for community development."