WUF13 hosts panel on UNESCO creative cities, sustainable urban planning

A panel session titled "UNESCO Creative Cities and Sustainable Urban Planning" was held as part of the 13th session of the UN World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku.

Report informs that the event was jointly organized by the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) and Azerbaijan's Ministry of Culture.

UCCN Secretary Denise Bax said in her speech that the network is always ready to support the creation of innovative housing models and the development of communities and local economies.

Deputy Culture Minister Saadat Yusifova said the holding of WUF13 in Baku is a clear indicator of Azerbaijan's growing international role in sustainable urban development. It was noted that Azerbaijan's UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Icherisheher with the Shirvanshahs' Palace Complex, the historic center of Sheki and the Khan's Palace, reflect the country's rich historical and architectural heritage. In modern times, the Heydar Aliyev Center, Flame Towers and White City project in Baku demonstrate Azerbaijan's vision for innovation and sustainable development.

The event then continued with panel discussions.

Rashad Azizov, director general of the Azerbaijan Cinema Agency, Sharofiddin Khusenov, deputy mayor of Bukhara, Uzbekistan, and head of its investment, industry and trade department, Jose Chong, head of urban regeneration and public space at UN-Habitat, and other speakers shared their views on the topic.

It was noted that the renewal of the urban environment should not be limited only to infrastructure projects, but should also take into account the accessibility, aesthetic appearance and inclusiveness of public spaces.

Azerbaijan's city of Sheki joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the field of crafts and folk art in 2017, Baku in the field of design in 2019, and Lankaran in the field of gastronomy in 2021.