New York, Clear Skies Magazine: Azerbaijan is comprehensively implementing the principles of the United Nations’ New Urban Agenda in its liberated territories of Garabagh and East Zangezur, Chairman of the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture Anar Guliyev said during the High-Level Meeting on the Midterm Review of the implementation of the New Urban Agenda at the UN General Assembly in New York.
Addressing the meeting, Guliyev said Azerbaijan is pursuing a “building back better” approach under the State Program on the Great Return, based on comprehensive master planning to facilitate the safe and dignified return of formerly displaced persons.
He noted that master plans have been approved for eight of the 12 cities in the liberated territories, as well as for 106 towns and villages. Around 90,000 people currently live, work and study in these areas.
According to Guliyev, reconstruction efforts extend beyond housing to include education, healthcare, transport infrastructure and public services. More than 15,700 housing units have received construction permits as part of the ongoing redevelopment programme.
He added that three international airports, along with newly built roads and railway infrastructure, are enhancing regional connectivity, while industrial parks in the cities of Aghdam and Jabrayil are promoting investment and creating employment opportunities.
The committee chairman also highlighted Azerbaijan’s vision of transforming the region into a Green Energy Zone through the adoption of “smart city” and “smart village” concepts, renewable energy projects and climate-responsive urban planning.
Guliyev stressed that Azerbaijan’s reconstruction efforts represent more than post-conflict rebuilding, emphasizing that urban recovery is aimed at restoring livelihoods, enabling the sustainable return of displaced communities, and creating the foundations for lasting peace and sustainable development.