BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. The comprehensive
reconstruction process underway across the liberated territories is
transforming Karabakh and East Zangezur into one of the primary
transport-logistics and economic development hubs of the region,
Vahid Hajiyev, Special Representative of the President of the
Republic of Azerbaijan in the Jabrayil, Gubadli, and Zangilan
districts, said, Trend reports.
Hajiyev made the remark during an international panel discussion
titled "Revival and Urbicide: Sustainable Urban Development and
Resilient Communities" held within the framework of the 13th
session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku.
He noted that during the occupation era, cities, villages, and
settlements across Jabrayil, Gubadli, and Zangilan suffered
destruction. "This devastation was not merely the demolition of
buildings; it represented the deliberate eradication of urban life,
urbicide. The occupation also triggered widespread environmental
degradation and the systematic destruction of cultural heritage.
Furthermore, these territories remain heavily contaminated with
landmines, posing one of the most severe challenges we currently
confront," Hajiyev stated.
According to him, the "Great Return" program covering the years
2022–2026 was adopted by the decree of President Ilham Aliyev, and
the initial phase of this strategic program nears completion.
"Today, over 80,000 individuals already reside in these
territories. The reconstruction works executed across the liberated
areas align fully with the United Nations Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs). The smart city and smart village concepts serve as
foundational pillars of this transformation. Our objective extends
beyond merely constructing housing; we aim to cultivate safe,
resilient, and highly livable communities," he emphasized.
He noted that settlement planning meticulously integrates
educational facilities, healthcare services, clean water networks,
renewable energy grids, and diversified employment avenues.
Hajiyev concurrently drew attention to the extensive economic
potential of the region. "The economic capacity of Jabrayil,
Gubadli, and Zangilan remains remarkably vast. Agriculture, the
mining industry, logistics, tourism, and green energy constitute
our primary developmental vectors. Special tax and customs
exemptions apply for investors operating within the liberated
territories. Notably, the Araz Valley Economic Zone located in
Jabrayil already hosts 19 registered residents," he pointed
out.
Hajiyev added that Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur have undergone
official designation as green energy zones by the decision of
President Ilham Aliyev. "Concurrently, a 240-megawatt solar power
plant is under construction in Jabrayil. In addition, other energy
projects totaling 100 megawatts, alongside five hydropower plants
with a collective capacity of 45 megawatts, are actively being
implemented," he reported.
The special representative also underscored the strategic
importance of the Zangezur corridor for the broader region. "Beyond
connecting mainland Azerbaijan with Nakhchivan, the Zangezur
corridor will function as a pivotal logistics arterial link
connecting the East-West and North-South transport corridors,"
Hajiyev noted.
According to him, the vast majority of the highway and railway
infrastructure projects have already achieved completion, while
construction on the bridge over the Araz River, securing transit
connectivity with Iran, nears its final stage. "These
infrastructure pipelines will provide a powerful impetus for trade,
logistics, tourism, and the creation of thousands of new jobs
across the region," he concluded.
Today marks the fourth 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.
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.
