Foreign Minister Leads Sudanese Delegation to the 13th World Urban Forum in Baku
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Mohi El-Din Salem Ahmed, led the Sudanese delegation participating in the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13) this morning. The forum is being hosted by the Azerbaijani capital, Baku, and is jointly organized by the Republic of Azerbaijan and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat). It is witnessing broad participation from heads of state and government, ministers, representatives of international and regional organizations, and experts specializing in urban development and sustainable housing issues.
Addressing the high-level ministerial meeting on the New Urban Agenda, the Minister emphasized that the forum represents a vital international platform for exchanging experiences and discussing the challenges associated with urban development and building safe and resilient cities. He noted that this year’s forum theme, “Habitat for the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities,” directly reflects the reality of Sudan and the aspirations of its people amidst the exceptional circumstances the country is experiencing as a result of the attacks launched by the rebel Rapid Support Forces militia against cities, infrastructure, and vital facilities.
The Minister explained that Sudan has witnessed widespread destruction affecting residential areas, health facilities, water and electricity networks, and educational institutions. This has led to the displacement of millions and posed significant challenges to reconstruction efforts, the restoration of basic services, and the rehabilitation of affected cities and communities.
In the same context, the Minister pointed out that the Sudanese government, despite the current challenges, has begun implementing national programs to rehabilitate basic services in areas that have started to witness the return of internally displaced persons and refugees under voluntary return programs. This is being done with the support of a number of brotherly and friendly countries and international organizations working in the development field. He also noted that the Sudanese government launched a housing project last year that includes a plan to build one million housing units specifically for low-income youth, as part of the state’s efforts to enhance social stability and provide suitable housing for groups affected by war and displacement.
Furthermore, the Minister reviewed, during his speech, the comprehensive peace initiative that the Sudanese government presented to the United Nations and the Security Council in late 2015. This initiative includes an integrated roadmap for ending the conflict and achieving sustainable peace through a ceasefire, the protection of civilians, ensuring access to humanitarian aid, and supporting refugees and internally displaced persons, in addition to disarmament, demobilization, reintegration, national reconciliation, and reconstruction programs.
He affirmed that the initiative reflects Sudan’s commitment to ending the Sudanese crisis through peaceful means and building a comprehensive national consensus that paves the way for free and fair elections by the end of the transitional period. He noted that the initiative has received support from a number of countries and regional and international organizations.
In closing, the Minister reiterated Sudan’s appreciation to the Republic of Azerbaijan and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) for hosting the forum. He expressed his confidence that the forum’s deliberations and outcomes will contribute to strengthening international cooperation and supporting Sudan’s efforts to rebuild cities and communities and achieve sustainable and safe urban development.