H.E. Zehra Zümrüt SELÇUK delivered a keynote speech during the KOBİA side event at the 13^th Session of the United Nations World Urban Forum in Baku.

She emphasized that SMEs are not merely beneficiaries of the opportunities created by urban development, but also strategic partners in advancing sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban transformation. Highlighting their economic significance, she noted that SMEs account for around 90% of all businesses worldwide and provide more than half of total employment. Referring to global urbanization trends,

H.E. SELÇUK underlined that nearly one-quarter of the world’s urban population currently lives in OIC countries. By 2050, this share is projected to approach 30%, indicating that urbanization in OIC countries is expected to advance faster than in the rest of the world. She also stressed the central role of SMEs in promoting sustainable and resilient urban development across OIC countries, noting that supporting SMEs means investing in innovation, employment, environmental sustainability, and long-term societal wellbeing.

H.E. SELÇUK called for stronger partnerships and collective action to advance sustainable urban transformation.

Photos