Youth leaders gather at WUF13 in Baku for conference on urban development and decolonisation

A major international conference on “The Role of Youth in Urban Development during Decolonisation Processes” has opened in Baku, bringing together young leaders and experts from around the world as part of the 13th session of the UN World Urban Forum.

Wide range of participants

The conference has brought together young researchers, experts in international law and public health, civil society representatives, youth leaders and university students from current and former colonial territories.

Colonial legacy and urban challenges

Abbas Abbasov, Executive Director of the Baku Initiative Group, said colonial legacies continue to shape many areas of life.

He stated: “These impacts affect different aspects of people's lives and different sectors including environmental issues and urban development.”

Discussions are focusing on how colonial and neo-colonial systems continue to influence urban development, including environmental degradation linked to colonial policies and its impact on urban planning.

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Building youth cooperation

Delegates are also exploring ways to strengthen cooperation between youth networks. A key aim is to turn international solidarity into practical, results-driven initiatives.

Organisers said the platform was designed to amplify voices from the Global South. It also aims to bring issues such as structural inequality, discrimination and urban marginalisation higher up the international agenda.

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