Andre Dzikus, head of the Urban Basic Services Section at UN-Habitat, spoke at the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku.
He stated that what defines a city is its services and the quality of life they provide. This is measured by whether people have reliable water, affordable energy, accessible transport, and a dignified living environment.
Dzikus emphasized that utility providers are not just infrastructure operators, but key forces shaping cities. Where services are absent, inequality grows; where services are strong, cities thrive.
The UN-Habitat official noted that the climate transition is impossible without the involvement of utility providers. He called them the backbone of cities: "You are the foundation. Without you, adequate housing, sustainable cities, and a resilient future are impossible."
