Rapid global urbanization creates major challenges, Yalchin Rafiyev says

Urbanization is not always positive in nature, as many countries face serious challenges in managing rapid urban growth, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Yalchin Rafiyev said at the "One UN" roundtable held within the framework of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), Report informs.

"We are proud to host WUF13. Our country is the most suitable place for discussions related to the New Urban Agenda. Baku is not just a host city. Azerbaijan is a country that has embraced the principle of the inseparability of urban development, housing provision, and human dignity," he emphasized.

According to him, the world is currently undergoing urbanization at an unprecedented pace: "However, this trend is not always positive in nature, as many countries face serious difficulties in managing rapid urban growth. Such rapid urbanization creates significant problems that require urgent attention. Otherwise, more serious negative consequences will be inevitable."