BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 21. Providing housing is
one of the top priorities of post-crisis recovery and
reconstruction efforts, Special Representative of the President of
the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Aghdam, Fuzuli, and Khojavend
regions, Emin Huseynov said, Trend reports.
He made the statement on session themed “Housing at the Centre
of Crisis Recovery and Reconstruction,” held as part of WUF13.
Huseynov noted that this topic is of particular importance for
Azerbaijan:
“For nearly thirty years, internally displaced persons have
lived in the hope that one day they will return to their homes and
communities. Cities and villages in the liberated territories have
been completely destroyed. In some regions, the scale of
destruction was so great that it resulted in a devastated urban
environment and a collapsed housing system.”
According to him, reconstruction is not limited to rebuilding
structures:
“For nearly thirty years, internally displaced persons have
lived in the hope that one day they will return to their homes and
communities. Towns and villages in the liberated territories have
been completely destroyed. In some regions, the scale of the
destruction was so great that it resulted in a devastated urban
environment and a collapsed housing system.”
According to him, reconstruction is not limited to rebuilding
structures:
“The reconstruction process begins when people can once again
envision their future in their homeland, when they regain a sense
of belonging. Today, Azerbaijan is implementing one of the largest
reconstruction and return programs in the region.”
The Special Representative emphasized that significant financial
resources have already been allocated for reconstruction and
rehabilitation:
“In the Aghdam, Fuzuli, and Khojavend regions, which I
represent, towns and villages are being rebuilt according to a
long-term strategy based on the principles of sustainability,
inclusivity, and resilience. Our approach is based on one key
principle—housing must come first. Because housing gives people
dignity, stability, and confidence in the future,” he added.
Huseynov said that when families return to safe homes, schools
reopen, the local economy recovers, social ties are restored, and
communities look to the future with greater confidence. According
to him, a significant number of former internally displaced persons
have already returned to restored settlements, and more people are
expected to return in the coming years: “New residential
neighborhoods, schools, medical facilities, and other public
services are being established. All of this is an integral part of
large-scale efforts aimed at restoring normal life.”
The Special Representative added that the reconstruction process
must not repeat the mistakes of the past:
“We need to build better, smarter, and more sustainable urban
systems. That is why Azerbaijan is integrating modern approaches to
urban planning, green energy solutions, digital governance, and
elements of sustainable infrastructure into the reconstruction
process” .
He noted that, as part of the “Smart City” and “Smart Village”
concepts, technologically advanced and sustainable living spaces
are being created in the Aghdam, Fuzuli, and Khojavend regions:
“The villages of Bashkend and Tugh are leading examples in this
regard. The implemented projects combine renewable energy
solutions, high-speed fiber-optic internet infrastructure based on
GPON technology, modern social facilities, and environmentally
responsible approaches to urban planning.”
According to him, hybrid energy systems based on solar power and
the national grid, as well as two-way electricity meters, are being
introduced in Azerbaijan for the first time.
“In addition, safer and more energy-efficient centralized
heating systems are being installed to replace hundreds of
individual boiler rooms. Residents can adjust their heating
themselves and pay only for what they actually use. This
significantly reduces energy losses and carbon dioxide emissions,”
Huseynov emphasized.
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 Program 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.
