CIS Representatives Discuss Unified Strategy for Sustainable Development of Mountain Settlements in Baku

At the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, a partner event titled "Sustainable Development of Mountain Settlements" brought together representatives of the Interparliamentary Assembly of CIS, the North Caucasus Scientific Cooperation, United Cities and Local Governments Eurasia, and UN-Habitat Russia. Participants agreed that population outflow from mountain areas is a global challenge requiring comprehensive governance and long-term development strategies rather than isolated support measures.

Secretary of the IPA CIS Permanent Commission on Agrarian Policy, Natural Resources and Ecology Natalia Amburtseva noted that disparities in living standards between mountain and lowland regions drive migration, leading to the loss of cultural heritage, traditional resource-management systems, and demographic stability. She highlighted the 2024 IPA CIS Model Concept for the Sustainable Development of Mountain Territories, which provides legal, organizational, financial, and scientific support mechanisms.

In a message to participants, Director of the UN-Habitat Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia Ali Erfan presented the initiative "My Neighbourhood for Mountainous Cities," promoting compact urban design to balance population growth with biodiversity protection and disaster-risk reduction. He emphasized that the IPA CIS model concept provides a foundation for common regional standards.

Member of the Committee for Law Policy and State-Building of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mubariz Gurbanli stressed that mountain development is a priority within the "Azerbaijan 2030" strategy. Through the "Great Return" program, more than 85,000 people have already resettled in liberated mountain districts, where modern infrastructure and smart villages powered by green energy are being developed. Deputy Chair of the Committee for Natural Resources, Energy and Ecology of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan Fatma Yildirim added that Azerbaijan focuses on environmental sustainability, digital connectivity, ecotourism, job creation, and cultural preservation.

Member of the Committee on Entrepreneurship, Competition Development and Industry of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan Alikhanov Boriy proposed developing a model framework for mountain settlements, introducing satellite monitoring of glacier melt, creating a joint forest-rehabilitation system, expanding bio-agricultural technologies, establishing transboundary protected areas, and launching educational and tourism initiatives.

Secretary General of United Cities and Local Governments Eurasia Rasikh Sagitov emphasized the principle of resilience, citing the Naryn city of the Kyrgyz Republic, where infrastructure planning takes into account natural hazards such as floods, landslides, avalanches, and extreme temperatures. He noted that resilient infrastructure requires higher initial investment but delivers long-term economic benefits.

Member of the State Duma Committee on Agrarian Issues Alexey Lavrinenko pointed out that mountains cover 54% of Russia's territory but remain outside a dedicated federal governance framework. He suggested adapting existing special economic zones and development territories for mountain regions. Leading Research worker at the Institute of Legislation and Comparative Law under the Government of Russian Federation Elena Galinovskaya proposed adapting the "Comfortable Urban Environment" program to remote mountain settlements, particularly to address housing and utility challenges.

Chairman of the International Association for Territorial Development Vasil Mazitov called for shifting from simple support measures to the capitalization of mountain territories through data-driven management, pilot growth areas, and stronger access to international financing. Director General of the Union of Russian Cities Andrey Maksimov advocated for mountain-specific spatial planning methods, renewable-energy support programs, and the exchange of best practices in creative tourism and traditional crafts.

Participants concluded that the challenges facing mountain territories are transboundary in nature and require coordinated action, including harmonized CIS legislation, joint environmental projects, digitalization, resilient infrastructure, and improved economic conditions for businesses. These discussions will continue at the 3rd International Forum on Sustainable Development of Mountain Territories in 2027, organized by the IPA CIS.