Thu, 28/05/2026 - 15:26
One UN Dialogue at WUF13 Highlights Climate Finance and Regional Cooperation for Resilient Cities in the Caspian Region
Representatives from the government of Azerbaijan, United Nations agencies, international financial institutions, development partners and the private sector convened at the Thirteenth Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku on 19 May 2026 for a high-level One UN dialogue focused on advancing climate-resilient cities and communities across the Caspian region. The session, entitled “Climate-Resilient Cities and Communities across the Caspian Region: Unlocking Climate Finance for Urban Adaptation”, was jointly organized by UN-Habitat, UNEP, IOM and the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
The event brought together senior government officials, UN leadership, development banks and technical experts to discuss how climate finance, partnerships and innovation can support urban adaptation and resilience across the Caspian region. Discussions focused on climate risks affecting coastal and water-sensitive cities, including flooding, extreme heat and ecosystem degradation, while highlighting the need for coordinated regional action.
Opening remarks were delivered by Mr. Aghakarim Samadzadeh, First Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan, alongside Ms. Anacláudia Rossbach, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN-Habitat, and Ms. Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Executive Director of UNEP. Speakers highlighted the urgent need to strengthen climate resilience in cities and communities across the Caspian region through stronger partnerships and investment in urban adaptation.
The high-level segment was followed by an expert discussion by Mr. Rauf Hajiyev, Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan, Mr. Norio Saito, Senior Director of Asian Development Bank, Ms. Rania Sharshr, Director of IOM’s Climate Action Division, and Ms Katja Schaefer, Inter-regional Advisor of UN-Habitat. Ms. Umayra Taghieva, Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan, was also in attendance on behalf of the WUF13 host government. Participants exchanged experiences on environmental governance, coastal city resilience, and innovative solutions for climate adaptation. The event was moderated by Mahir Aliyev, UNEP Regional Coordinator and Head of Tehran Convention Secretariat.
A key highlight of the session was the launch of the USD 10 million Adaptation Fund-supported project “Building Climate Resilient Cities and Communities in Azerbaijan”, jointly implemented by UN-Habitat, UNEP and IOM. The four-year initiative aims to strengthen resilience in Greater Baku, Neftchala and Astara through integrated adaptation measures such as flood management, early warning systems, nature-based solutions and public space rehabilitation.
Participants also explored opportunities for regional cooperation, co-financing and knowledge exchange among Caspian and Central Asian countries, including within the framework of the Tehran Convention. Closing the event, Mr. Igor Garafulic, UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan, reaffirmed the commitment of the United Nations system to supporting Azerbaijan and regional partners in translating climate commitments into practical action and resilient urban development outcomes.
