BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. Azerbaijan is
building smart and sustainable cities in the liberated territories,
based on modern urban planning principles, Chairman of the State
Migration Service, Vusal Huseynov, said, Trend reports.


He made the announcement during the panel discussion ''Migration
and Cities: A Framework for Safe, Innovative and Sustainable
Governance,” held as part of the 13th World Urban Forum
(WUF13).


Vusal Huseynov noted that Azerbaijan is currently facing a new
reality as part of the “Great Return” program, which involves the
return of former internally displaced persons to their
homelands.


“Following the liberation of our territories, Azerbaijan has
embarked on one of the largest reconstruction and development
programs in the region. Entirely new cities and settlements are
being created,” he said.


Huseynov emphasized that these cities are being designed as
smart, sustainable, resilient, and inclusive urban spaces.


“We are confident that these cities will serve as platforms for
building strong human capital and will maximize the potential of
migration-driven development,” added the chairman of the State
Migration Service.


He also noted that Azerbaijan attaches particular importance to
strengthening the synergy between migration and urban development
agendas.


“Azerbaijan will continue its efforts to develop cooperation and
support inclusive governance frameworks,” Huseynov emphasized.


Today, the fourth day of the WUF13 conference is taking place 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.


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.