Resolving urban problems requires strengthening international cooperation, Mohamed Younis al-Menfi, President of the Presidential Council of the State of Libya said during the Leaders’ Session within the framework of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) held in Baku, APA reports.
“The theme of this year’s forum is ‘Housing the World: Safe and Sustainable Cities and Communities.’ This is not simply the name of an international event. This is a global call to reconsider the future of cities and ensure people’s right to safe, dignified and sustainable housing. Today, the world faces a housing crisis affecting billions of people and deepening social inequality. Climate change, rapid urbanization, migration and forced displacement processes are further aggravating these problems. As a result, the issue of housing is no longer a narrow problem, but has become one of the main pillars of stability, development and public security. In Libya, we fully understand the importance of building more resilient and inclusive cities. We are working toward supporting balanced urban development policies, sustainable urban planning, and improving infrastructure and essential services. At the same time, we pay special attention to strengthening local governance bodies, restoration and reconstruction processes, and the creation of urban communities that preserve national identity while meeting the requirements of modern development. Resolving urban problems requires strengthening international cooperation, the transfer of knowledge and technologies, and ensuring fair and flexible financial mechanisms for developing countries. This approach enables the more just and effective implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and the New Urban Agenda. In recent years, we have witnessed major changes in the north, south and east of the country, especially in cities after floods, as well as in the western regions following wars. This development is the result of stability in the country. From this platform, Libya once again declares its full support for all international efforts aimed at building safe, sustainable cities capable of adapting to changing climate and economic crises,” Mohamed Younis al-Menfi noted.
The President of the Presidential Council of the State of Libya noted that it is possible to see Libya’s rich architectural history extending from ancient times to the present day: “Today, we are witnessing the rise of new and modern buildings. Finally, we once again express our gratitude to the Republic of Azerbaijan and UN-Habitat for organizing this important global forum. We hope that the outcomes of the forum will become practical steps toward a more just, sustainable and prosperous future, and that the highest importance will be attached to the transfer of knowledge, technology and exchange of experience,” Mohamed Younis al-Menfi stated.
