Islamabad, 1 October 2023 (TDI): Pakistan and Azerbaijan have forged a strategic partnership to tackle pressing regional challenges through climate-resilient and sustainable urban planning.
This collaborative initiative was formalized during a meeting between Pakistan’s Caretaker Planning Minister for Development & Special Initiatives, Muhammad Sami Saeed, and the Chairman of the State Committee on Urban Planning & Architecture of Azerbaijan, Anar Guliyev.
The Planning Minister’s official visit coincided with the Second Azerbaijan National Urban Forum & Global Observance of World Habitat Day 2023, under the theme “Resilient cities as a driving force of economic development and fighting inequalities.”
This event, organized by the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of Azerbaijan in collaboration with the United Nations (UN) Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), was hosted in Zangilan as part of the Azerbaijan Urban Week.
During his meeting with his Azerbaijani counterpart, the Planning Minister commended the significant rehabilitation & reconstruction efforts undertaken by the State Committee on Urban Planning & Architecture, particularly in areas of Azerbaijan affected by conflicts.
He emphasized that urban planning remains a formidable challenge, and platforms like the Azerbaijan National Urban Forum are crucial for identifying solutions and learning from international experiences.
It’s worth noting that last year, the first National Urban Forum took place in the city of Aghdam, which had also suffered extensive destruction.
Presently, it is undergoing substantial reconstruction, as is the case with the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan. The second forum convened in Zangilan, another area undergoing comprehensive reconstruction.
Both nations have expressed their commitment to strengthening the relationship between Pakistan and Azerbaijan by jointly devising strategies for the socioeconomic development of their respective populations.
The Planning Minister extended his appreciation to the Azerbaijani government for the successful Second National Urban Forum, emphasizing its pivotal role in reconstructing devastated cities while adhering to the theme of “Resilient cities as a driving force of economic development and fighting inequalities.”
During the meeting, Pakistan’s Caretaker Planning Minister highlighted the Resilient, Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction Framework (4RF) launched in response to the 2022 floods in Pakistan.
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This framework has played a critical role in establishing resilient infrastructure. Since the 2022 floods, the Planning Ministry has been approving climate-resilient development projects and providing guidance to provinces for their implementation.
In the aftermath of the flood, Sindh and Balochistan, two Pakistani provinces, were significantly affected, impacting 33 million people. However, with the support of the international community, Pakistan effectively managed the situation.
This collaborative effort between Pakistan and Azerbaijan underscores their commitment to addressing climate challenges, fostering sustainable urban development, and working towards a more equitable future.
