Panel session at WUF13: UNESCO's creative cities and sustainable urban development
Baku, May 19, AZERTAC
A panel session themed “UNESCO Creative Cities and Sustainable Urban Development” was held as part of the 13th Session of the UN World Urban Forum (WUF13).
The event was jointly organized by the UNESCO Creative Cities Network and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Speaking at the event, Denise Bax, Secretary of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), stated that culture is an integral component of all processes. She noted that UNESCO stands ready to extend its support toward establishing innovative housing models and supporting communities and local economies in this field. She pointed out that culture accounts for 3.55 percent of global employment, with the majority of this figure driven by urban centers.
In her speech, Deputy Minister of Culture Saadat Yusifova stated that hosting the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku is a clear indicator of Azerbaijan's growing international role in the field of sustainable urban development. She noted that Azerbaijan possesses rich urban planning and architectural traditions.
The event continued with panel discussions.
The speeches emphasized the ever-increasing role of creative approaches and cultural resources in the sustainable development of cities. It was noted that the regeneration of urban environments should not be confined solely to infrastructure projects, but must also take into account the accessibility, aesthetic appearance, and social inclusivity of public spaces.