OTS Secretary General and UN-Habitat Executive Director discuss environmental sustainability and urban development

AKIPRESS.COM – Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) Kubanychbek Omuraliev met with United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Executive Director Anacláudia Rossbach on the sidelines of the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) on 19 May 2026 in Baku.

The sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing sustainable urban development and strengthening regional cooperation in addressing the challenges arising from rapid urbanization, climate change, environmental degradation, and increasing pressure on urban infrastructure. They underlined the importance of coordinated approaches and knowledge-sharing among the OTS member states.

The discussions focused on the development of modern regional standards for green and resilient infrastructure, promotion of smart and sustainable cities, enhancement of urban mobility, and improvement of environmental sustainability in urban areas. The parties also exchanged views on encouraging innovation, digital solutions, and inclusive urban planning practices to support sustainable growth and improve the quality of life of citizens across the OTS region.

The Secretary General highlighted the growing importance attached by the OTS to environmental sustainability and urban development within the framework of regional cooperation. In this context, the sides welcomed the ongoing collaboration between the OTS and UN-Habitat following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the two organizations in 2023 and discussed concrete avenues for further institutional cooperation, including joint activities, exchange of expertise, and implementation of capacity-building initiatives.

The meeting concluded with both sides expressing readiness to further deepen the partnership between the OTS and UN-Habitat in support of sustainable, resilient, and inclusive urban development throughout the Turkic World.