The topic “Housing the World: Safe, Sustainable Cities and Communities” aligns with the common priorities of D8 countries.
Modern.az reports that this was stated by Hasan Suver, Deputy Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change of Turkey, at the “High-Level Energy and Urban Dialogue of D-8 Countries” event organized within the framework of the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) held in Baku.
The Deputy Minister noted that Turkey considers the D8 platform not only as a mechanism for economic cooperation but also as a strategic platform that strengthens green development, solidarity, and a shared vision for the future.
“The main directions of Turkey's urban planning policy are the formation of living spaces that are resistant to natural disasters, adaptable to climate change, environmentally sustainable, and human-oriented. After the earthquakes on February 6, 2023, a large-scale reconstruction process was launched in the country, and important steps have been taken towards rebuilding cities in a safer and more sustainable way.”
He emphasized that energy transition and urban planning policy have now become two complementary key directions.
“Energy efficiency, clean transportation systems, renewable energy infrastructure, smart city solutions, and green infrastructure projects play an important role in shaping the future of cities.
Within the framework of the “net zero emission” target set by Turkey for the coming years, it implements a large-scale policy in the fight against climate change, green development, energy transition, and industrial decarbonization.
He also touched upon the “Zero Waste” initiative launched under the patronage of Emine Erdoğan, the wife of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan:
“This initiative gained global initiative status with a resolution of the UN General Assembly. Turkey is ready to share its experience in resource efficiency, recycling, circular economy, and sustainable consumption with D8 countries.”
Finally, the Turkish official expressed his belief that the urban planning vision put forward within WUF13 will make a significant contribution to future international climate and development processes.
