An opportunity will arise at WUF13 to exchange views on the impacts of climate change, traffic congestion in major cities, transport infrastructure, and other related issues, as well as global examples, transport expert Rauf Agamirzayev told APA.
Importance for the South Caucasus and Baku’s challenges
“WUF13 is important for the South Caucasus. After the liberation of Karabakh, projects such as reconstruction works and the construction of new cities are being implemented. At the same time, we must focus on the challenges of large cities, because Baku is also facing these challenges,” the expert emphasized.
International platform and global experience
Rauf Agamirzayev believes that WUF13 will be very important in terms of hearing the views of different experts: “WUF13 is an international platform for discussing models and challenges in urban management. Azerbaijan should also make maximum use of this platform. WUF13 will play an important role in preparing for challenges related to congestion, environmental issues, and climate change worldwide, as well as in hearing global solutions and experiences. In particular, discussions on the consequences of rainfall in Baku over the past five years, congestion problems, and the transformation of mobility will contribute to solving certain issues. Therefore, WUF13 is a good, world-class platform for learning and gaining experience. It is also a great initiative for future projects.”
“15-minute city” concept and urban planning
The expert noted that the “15-minute city” concept is already being implemented worldwide: “This is also envisaged in Baku’s Master Plan. A decision has been made to transform Baku from a monocentric to a polycentric city. Therefore, solutions suitable for fast distances connecting these centers should be applied. There is a State Program in this regard, and work is being carried out, but in some areas the pace is not at the desired level.”
Pedestrian infrastructure and mobility solutions
According to Rauf Agamirzayev, if works such as improving pedestrian infrastructure for short-distance travel, removing barriers in front of pedestrians, ensuring continuity of sidewalks, and providing short pedestrian crossings to form short walking routes are carried out, the transformation of mobility will accelerate: “We are already seeing the initial elements. For example, solutions such as dedicated bus lanes and dedicated micromobility lanes have been implemented. However, their completeness must be ensured for them to become more functional.”
Development of public transport and future plans
The expert added that when speaking about greater mobility, it already refers to scheduled transport — metro, tram, suburban electric trains, etc.: “Decisions have been made to improve these as well. Their rapid implementation is planned until 2030. As a result, it will change our current conditions and priorities in mobility. However, I believe that pedestrian infrastructure holds an important place, and it should be improved without delay so that people can organize their trips quickly and over shorter distances through walking and micromobility. This will prevent the current overload. Discussing all these issues and benefiting from global experience will play an important role in the development of our country.”
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