The resilience of cities is only possible when development is human-centered, climate-sensitive and data-driven.
Modern.az reports that this was stated by Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Chief Minister of Punjab province of Pakistan, at the Leaders' Summit within the 13th session of the World Urban Forum held in Baku.
She stated that Baku is an example of modern urban infrastructure, global connections and transformation:
“Baku's historic Icherisheher reflects common civilizational ties, ancient trade routes and centuries-old relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.”
Maryam Nawaz highly appreciated the vision of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev regarding sustainable development and sustainable cities:
“Under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Baku has become a modern, vibrant and global city.”
She noted that there were relations based on mutual trust and friendship between the former Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif and the national leader of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev:
“They were brothers in spirit, and this friendship still determines the strength of Pakistan-Azerbaijan relations today.”
The Chief Minister of Punjab province stated that a transformation is being carried out in the region with a population of more than 130 million in terms of how cities are built and how human dignity is ensured.
“Cities are not just about roads and buildings. Cities are human stories. There, human dignity is either protected or denied.”
Maryam Nawaz noted that one of the first steps after taking office was to create a door-to-door socio-economic database across the entire province:
“If a problem is not measured, it cannot be solved.”
According to her, one of the main priorities is housing provision.
“In less than a year, more than 160,000 families have received housing support, and more than 100,000 families have already moved into their new homes.
Behind every number stands a human destiny. This is not just housing. This means permanent dignity.”
She added that more than 2,000 villages in Punjab are provided with clean drinking water, sewerage, drainage systems, asphalt roads and solar energy infrastructure:
“Nowhere in the world should women be forced to carry water for miles for their families. No child should suffer from unsafe drinking water.”
Maryam Nawaz noted that an urban development program with a total value of more than 2 billion dollars is being implemented in Punjab.
“Within the framework of the projects, roads, drainage and sewerage systems, water reservoirs and sustainable urban infrastructure are being rebuilt. In the last two years, more than 13,000 kilometers of roads have been built and put into operation. These roads reconnect communities
