Azerbaijan successfully hosts WUF13, which is another important international success for the country after COP29.
Modern.az reports that this was stated by Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Secretary General of the D-8 organization, at the event titled "High-Level Energy and Urban Dialogue of D-8 Countries" within the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) held in Baku.
He noted that the world is currently experiencing an unprecedented urbanization process.
“According to the UN, approximately 56 percent of the world's population lives in cities, and this figure is expected to reach 70 percent by 2050.
While cities generate more than 80 percent of global GDP, they are also responsible for approximately 70 percent of global energy consumption and energy-related greenhouse gas emissions.”
The Secretary General emphasized that, according to calculations by the International Energy Agency, electricity demand for urban infrastructure, cooling systems, transport, and digital services will increase by more than 75 percent by 2050.
“Sustainable urbanization and energy transition are no longer separate policy directions, but closely linked development priorities.
D8 countries have a large young population, strategic geographical location, growing industrial and technological potential, as well as rich renewable energy resources. However, rapid urbanization puts serious pressure on housing provision, transport infrastructure, water security, utilities, waste management, and energy demand.”
S. Mahmood added that developing countries need broader access to concessional finance, technology transfer, and international partnerships to align their energy transition and urban development agendas:
“Five key priorities for D8 cooperation have also been presented. These include integrated urban energy planning, digital governance and smart technologies, strengthening South-South cooperation, increasing investments for climate-resilient urban development, and D8 countries taking a more active stance in international platforms.”
According to the Ambassador, the D8 Energy and Climate Center planned to be established in Baku can play the role of a regional platform for policy dialogue, technical cooperation, research exchange, and capacity building:
Finally, the Secretary General proposed initiatives such as “D8 Sustainable City”, “D8 Green Capital”, and “D8 Clean Energy Capital”. In his opinion, this will strengthen competition among these cities in the field of innovation and sustainable development.
