Within the framework of the World Urban Forum 13 held in Baku, high-level panel discussions on migration and urban planning have become one of the key topics on the international agenda.
In an interview with Fortunamag.az, the Head of the State Migration Service of Azerbaijan Vusal Huseynov shared his views on global migration trends, urban development, inclusive urbanization policy, and the Great Return Program.
He stated:
— How do you assess the hosting of the World Urban Forum in Baku?
— The hosting of the World Urban Forum in Baku is an indicator of Azerbaijan’s growing international reputation, its active participation in global discussions, and its contribution to the sustainable development agenda. Azerbaijan already acts as a reliable host of major international platforms.
The forum addresses a wide range of topics, one of which is the relationship between migration and cities. The event in this area is a logical continuation of the International Migration Review Forum held two weeks ago at the UN Headquarters in New York.
— What are the main challenges posed by global migration processes today?
— In the modern era, migration processes are rapidly increasing and becoming more complex. According to statistics, there are over 304 million international migrants worldwide. Internal migration is significantly higher than this figure. At the same time, more than half of the world’s population already lives in cities, and this share is expected to reach 70% by 2050.
This makes closer integration of migration and urban policy necessary. Issues such as migrants’ access to social services, integration, equal opportunities, and the protection of vulnerable groups are becoming especially important. Urban planning and migration policies must complement each other, aiming to create sustainable and inclusive cities.
— How is Azerbaijan’s “Great Return” program assessed in this context?
— During the panel discussions, particular attention was given to the large-scale reconstruction and restoration work under Azerbaijan’s Great Return Program. Projects implemented in the liberated territories according to modern urban planning principles were met with strong interest from international participants.
These processes show that well-designed migration and urban planning policies are among the main pillars of sustainable development. We believe that the experience gained in this field will become an important international reference point in the future.
Exclusive interview for Fortunamag.az.
Vusal Huseynov: “Urban planning and migration policy are key pillars of sustainable development”
