Baku can host difficult discussions and bring societies together by playing the role of a center of intercultural dialogue between the East and West, North and South, said Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and UN Deputy Secretary-General Anacláudia Rossbach at the opening ceremony of the 13th Global Baku Forum, APA reports.
“It is a great honor for me to join you at the 13th Global Baku Forum. Over the years, the Global Baku Forum has become a recognized platform where leaders and thought leaders can speak openly about the state of the world and the future of multilateral cooperation. In today’s reality, this role has never been more important. The UN Secretary-General has also warned that we are entering a period of deep chaos, and peace and multilateral cooperation can never be taken for granted,” the UN Deputy Secretary-General emphasized.
Anacláudia Rossbach noted that 60% of the world’s population lives in cities, and this figure will continue to grow: “However, hundreds of millions of people do not have reliable and adequate housing, and more than one billion people live in informal settlements. In many parts of the world, high housing costs, limited land, and climate-related disasters make reliable and adequate housing inaccessible for families. Therefore, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which was established 50 years ago to address the international housing crisis, is now placing adequate housing, land, and basic services for all people at the center of its new 2026–2029 strategic plan. To strengthen our support for this region, the UNHCR has established a new regional office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia in Istanbul, expanding opportunities for closer cooperation with governments, cities, and partners. This office will promote sustainable urban development, housing solutions, and the formation of resilient communities, and will link regional priorities with global urban agendas. In this context, the Global Baku Forum is being held under particular international attention. As you know, Azerbaijan recently hosted COP29, bringing the world together to discuss climate goals and finance. As the President noted, in a few weeks the UN will host WUF13. This forum is the main global platform on sustainable urban development. At the same time, I highly appreciate the decision of the President of Azerbaijan to declare 2026 the “Year of Urban Development and Architecture.” This sends a strong message that, at a time when some questions about globalization are being raised, Azerbaijan is investing in the quality of its cities and in the professionals who design and manage them.
Well-planned and efficient cities are essential for climate action and overall well-being. Dense, connected, and green cities reduce emissions, protect people from floods and heat waves, and create jobs. The legacy of COP29, the prospects of WUF13, and World Environment Day 2026 could include strengthening support for cities and local governments. Cities can help restore trust across political and regional divides. Baku can host difficult discussions and bring societies together by playing the role of a center of intercultural dialogue between the East and West, North and South. I am confident that the Global Baku Forum will contribute to restoring communities and trust, protecting vulnerable families, making our cities more just and sustainable, and ultimately helping to bridge divides in a world in transition. I am ready to cooperate with you to realize this vision together.
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