BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 21. Returning displaced
residents to their native homes is not only a humanitarian concern
but also a key driver of economic and social development, said
Masim Mammadov, Azerbaijan’s Special Representative in the Lachin
region, Trend
reports.
Speaking at the “Path from Urbicide to Post-Conflict
Reconstruction” event held at the Azerbaijan Pavilion during the
13th session of the UN World Urban Forum (WUF13), Mammadov
emphasized that illegal economic activity in formerly occupied
territories has negatively affected the region’s development
process.
He noted that despite three decades of challenges, Azerbaijan
has consistently prioritized the preservation of its historical and
cultural heritage as part of state policy.
“The return of people to their native homes is not only a
humanitarian issue, but also an important part of economic and
social development. This is especially important for post-conflict
areas,” Mammadov said.
He emphasized that reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts
remain essential, including rebuilding infrastructure, restoring
living conditions, and ensuring long-term stability. He also
pointed to ongoing discussions on sustainable urban development,
effective governance, and improving citizen well-being.
Mammadov said large-scale infrastructure projects are already
underway, including the construction of new settlements and the
development of schools, hospitals, and other social facilities.
“The process we are seeing today is not just about building
cities. It is also a process of return and rebuilding ties,” he
said. “People are reconnecting with their homes, communities and
cultural roots.”
He added that Azerbaijan is steadily developing into a modern
and sustainable country, creating new opportunities for
international cooperation.
Mammadov said global changes are enabling a stronger focus on
long-term development alongside immediate post-conflict challenges,
describing the ongoing efforts as a step toward a more sustainable
future.
Today marks the fifth day of WUF13 in Baku.
The first day included a ministerial meeting dedicated to the
New Urban Agenda, a ministerial roundtable, assemblies for women
and civil society, business sessions, and discussions on urban
prosperity. An official ceremony marking the raising of the UN and
Azerbaijani flags also took place.
The second day stood out for the inaugural Leaders’ Summit,
featuring high-level discussions on the global housing crisis,
urbanization policy, and urban resilience. Concurrently, the
opening of the Mexico City pavilion took place, serving as a
significant platform for expanding cooperation with the Latin
American region and preparing for WUF14.
The third day of WUF13 featured a comprehensive program of
events covering the global housing crisis, the formation of safe
and inclusive cities, climate resilience, artificial intelligence
and urban governance, green urbanization, social equity, and
sustainable transport.
One of the highlights of the third day was the signing of a
sister-city memorandum between the Azerbaijani city of Shusha and
the Turkish city of Trabzon.
The fourth day of WUF13 featured a broad program of events
dedicated to urbanization, climate change, inclusive urban
development, housing policy, and sustainable governance.
One of the important events of the UN Special Programme for the
Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) Cities Forum, held on the fourth
day, was the announcement of Almaty’s official accession to the
“Declaration of Intent on the Establishment of the SPECA Smart
Climate-Resilient Cities Forum.”
Also, for the first time in WUF history and at Azerbaijan’s
initiative, the “WUF13 NGO Forum: Global Partnership and
Decision-Making” was held.
WUF13, which has attracted more than 40,000 registered
participants from 182 countries, will continue until May 22. Held
under the theme “Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and
communities,” the forum brings together governments, international
organizations, experts, and representatives of civil society to
strengthen global cooperation in the field of sustainable urban
development.
