Port Sudan – OnePress
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Muhyiddin Salim Ahmed, chaired this morning the Sudanese delegation to the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13) hosted by the Azerbaijani capital Baku, organized jointly by the Republic of Azerbaijan and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), amid wide participation of Heads of State and Government, ministers, representatives of international and regional organizations, and experts in urban development and sustainable housing.
Addressing the high-level ministerial meeting on the new urban agenda, the Foreign Minister stressed that the forum represents an important international platform to exchange experiences and discuss the challenges of urban development and building safe and resilient cities, pointing out that the theme of this year’s forum: “Housing the world: safe and resilient cities and communities” directly reflects the reality of Sudan in light of the exceptional circumstances experienced by the country.
The minister explained that Sudan has been subjected to extensive destruction of residential areas, health facilities, water and electricity networks and educational institutions as a result of the attacks of the rebel Rapid Support Militia, which caused the displacement of millions and posed great challenges to the reconstruction efforts and the restoration of basic services and the rehabilitation of affected cities and communities.
He pointed out that despite the current challenges, the Sudanese government has begun implementing national programs to rehabilitate basic services in the areas that are beginning to witness the return of displaced persons and refugees within the voluntary return programs, with the support of a number of brotherly and friendly countries and international organizations working in the development field.
Last year, the government launched a project to provide shelter for citizens, including a plan to build 1 million housing units for low-income youth, as part of the state’s efforts to promote community stability and provide adequate housing for people affected by war and displacement.
During his speech, the Foreign Minister reviewed the comprehensive peace initiative presented by the Government of Sudan to the United Nations and the Security Council at the end of 2025, which includes an integrated road map to end the conflict and achieve sustainable peace, including a ceasefire, protection of civilians, ensuring humanitarian access, and support for refugees and displaced persons, as well as disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, national reconciliation and reconstruction programs.
He stressed that the initiative reflects Sudan's commitment to end the crisis through peaceful means and building an inclusive national consensus that paves the way for free and fair elections by the end of the transitional period, noting that the initiative has the support of a number of countries and regional and international organizations.
In conclusion, the Minister of Foreign Affairs reiterated Sudan’s appreciation to the Republic of Azerbaijan and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) for hosting the Forum, expressing confidence that the deliberations and outcomes of the Forum will contribute to enhancing international cooperation and supporting Sudan’s efforts to rebuild cities and communities and achieve sustainable and safe urban development.