WUF13

WUF13

Mirziyoyev proposes holding WUF15 in Uzbekistan in 2030

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev

18 May 2026 15:25 (UTC +04:00)

The creation of a Smart and Safe Cities Alliance has been proposed, APA reports.

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev made the proposal during the Leaders’ Session held within the framework of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku.

“By the middle of the 21st century, around 70 percent of the world’s population will live in cities. At the same time, urbanization is deepening a number of social problems. Today, around 3 billion people worldwide do not have normal living conditions. More than 1 billion of them live in informal settlements and slums, while more than 300 million people are completely without shelter. Climate change, the unstable international situation and economic crises are creating new waves of global migration, leading to the redistribution of populations among countries and cities. Simply put, urbanization is becoming an important factor directly affecting global stability and security. All this requires us to take decisive and urgent steps,” the President of Uzbekistan noted.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized that the issue of sustainable urban development is of strategic importance for Uzbekistan and also announced his proposals:

“First, creating equal living conditions for the population in all regions requires the harmonious development of small and medium-sized cities. In this regard, I call on partner countries to widely apply the principle of balanced urbanization and urban development.

Second, it is important that all countries equally benefit from the opportunities created by artificial intelligence and digital transformation in urban governance. For this purpose, I propose the establishment of an international ‘Smart and Safe Cities Alliance’ to ensure the systematic exchange of technologies, standards and experiences.

Third, ensuring quality and affordable housing for youth and vulnerable population groups is of particular importance. For this purpose, we are ready to hold an international forum in Samarkand next year to discuss new approaches to financing and investment in housing construction.

Fourth, against the backdrop of global climate change, the need to adopt common principles and standards for the creation of green cities is growing. In order to promote cities developing in harmony with nature, I propose the establishment of the ‘UN-Habitat Green City International Award.’

Fifth, the growing level of urbanization further strengthens the role of traditional self-governance structures in cities. In this regard, I propose holding the 15th session of the World Urban Forum in New Tashkent in 2030, with the main theme being ‘The Role of Local Communities in the Sustainable Development of Cities.’

I am confident that today’s event will contribute significantly to finding joint solutions on mutually beneficial and promising issues, generating new initiatives and advancing the development of this field.”

Firuza Vahid