Event organized by the Union of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities of Azerbaijan

• Ms. Aygun Aliyeva, Chairperson of the Board, Agency for State Support to NGOs of the Republic of Azerbaijan; Member of the WUF13 Organizing Committee
• Mr. Davud Rahimli, President of the Union of Disabled People Organizations; Member of the Public Council under the Ministry of Emergency Situations
• Ms. Irada Rizazadeh, Chairperson of the Public Union “For the Social Welfare of Citizens”; Member of the Public Council under the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population
• Distinguished Participants:

It is my great pleasure to join you today, in the lead‑up to the 13th session of the World Urban Forum – or WUF13 – starting on Sunday. 

Let me begin by thanking the Agency for State Support to NGOs, the Union of Disabled People Organizations, and the Public Union “For the Social Welfare of Citizens” for bringing us together today.

Just last week, I welcomed to the UN House a group of talented participants in a project promoting inclusive workplaces.  During that meeting, I recalled how grateful we remain for the advice given by Mr. Davud Rahimli two years ago, which helped us make the UN House more accessible.  We truly value the partnership we have with the organizations of persons with disabilities, and I thank you again for our collaboration.

Distinguished Colleagues:

Today’s event is an opportunity to reflect on the future of our cities and the principle of “Cities for All – Leaving No One Behind.”  As highlighted by previous speakers, as urbanization accelerates, cities are not only engines of economic growth but also vital platforms for social inclusion.  The way we design and manage urban spaces determines whether opportunities are shared equitably or whether barriers persist.

For persons with disabilities and those with mobility limitations, inclusive urbanization is not a luxury - it is a necessity.   What more, inclusive urbanization benefits everyone in society, and its advantages become even more significant over the long term. Accessibility in transport, housing, public services, and digital infrastructure ensures that every citizen can participate fully in social, economic, and cultural life.  This vision is embedded in Article 9 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and in SDG 11.

Here in Azerbaijan, and especially in this beautiful city of Baku, we have seen impressive urban development.  The challenge - and the opportunity – now is to ensure that growth translates into inclusion.  This requires all stakeholders - government at central, regional, and local levels; civil society, including organizations representing persons with disabilities, young people, women and migrants; the private sector; and other partners - to work together to remove barriers and design cities that reflect the needs of all.

The upcoming WUF13, convened by Azerbaijan here in Baku, will be a timely global platform to showcase best practices, exchange experiences, and to commit to concrete actions for urbanization that is accessible, inclusive, and sustainable.

Allow me to conclude by reaffirming the commitment of the United Nations in Azerbaijan to continue supporting efforts that ensure urbanization becomes a pathway to dignity, equality, and opportunity for all.

Thank you.