BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 19. Non-governmental
organizations (NGOs) play a vital role in addressing the needs of
people with disabilities, promoting their rights, and improving
their quality of life, Chairperson of the Board of the Agency for
State Support to NGOs of Azerbaijan, Aygun Aliyeva, said at the
event “Inclusive Cities and Independent Living for People with
Disabilities,” held as part of the 13th session of the World Urban
Forum (WUF13) in Baku, Trend reports.
According to her, the Agency for State Support to NGOs pays
close attention to projects related to people with
disabilities.
“Over the past few years, the agency has funded dozens of
projects implemented by NGOs in this area. These projects cover
various areas, including social rehabilitation, psychological
support, inclusive education, employment opportunities, as well as
sports and art for people with disabilities,” she said.
Aliyeva noted that NGOs are closest to the community, better
understand the needs of people with disabilities, and are able to
offer flexible and innovative solutions.
“Therefore, we are always open to collaboration with NGOs and
other stakeholders in this area,” she emphasized.
According to the agency’s board chair, today’s event is an
example of such collaboration, bringing together representatives of
government agencies, international organizations, civil society,
and people with disabilities themselves to discuss the concept of
inclusive cities.
She noted that an inclusive city is more than just ramps and
elevators.
“It’s a city where every citizen, regardless of their physical
abilities, feels valued, respected, and included. It’s a city that
provides equal access to public services, transportation,
education, culture, and employment,” the official explained.
According to her, to achieve this goal, it is necessary to
jointly implement the principles of accessibility and inclusiveness
in urban planning, legislation, and social policy.
Aliyeva expressed confidence that the discussions,
presentations, and photo exhibition organized as part of the event
will help identify existing problems, share successful experiences,
and identify practical paths for further action.
The third day of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum
(WUF13) is underway in Baku.
On the first day, a ministerial meeting dedicated to the New
Urban Agenda, a roundtable of ministers, assemblies of women and
civil society, business sessions, and discussions on urban
well-being were held. A ceremony for raising the flags of the
United Nations and Azerbaijan also took place within the framework
of the forum.
The second day of the forum drew attention with the first-ever
Leaders Summit. High-level discussions on the global housing
crisis, urbanization policy, and urban resilience were held that
day. At the same time, the Mexico City pavilion was inaugurated
within the framework of WUF13. The pavilion was presented as an
important platform for expanding cooperation with the Latin
American region and preparing for WUF14.
WUF13, which has attracted more than 40,000 registered
participants from 182 countries, will continue until May 22. Held
under the theme “Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and
communities,” the forum brings together governments, international
organizations, experts, and representatives of civil society to
strengthen global cooperation in the field of sustainable urban
development.
