BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 21. The projects
implemented in the post-war period represent the revival of the
native lands in Azerbaijan, President’s Special Representative in
the Kalbajar district, Bashir Hajiyev, said, 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), he noted that
behind all the reconstruction and development activities being
carried out today is the severe destruction, vandalism, and
ecological terrorism committed in Kalbajar during the
occupation.


Hajiyev recalled that the settlements of the region were
massively destroyed, the historical environment and natural
ecosystem that people have formed over the years have been
seriously damaged. Historical and cultural heritage, rare religious
monuments, cemeteries, and other cultural examples have been
seriously damaged.


At the same time, the rich natural resources of Kalbajar hd been
exploited in an ecologically irresponsible way, forests have been
burned, natural resources have been plundered, and water resources
and wildlife have been seriously damaged. The economic potential of
the district has also been largely destroyed. Over the years, the
ecological system and environment of the region have been severely
damaged.


"Therefore, the projects implemented in the post-war period
represent not only the process of construction and rebuilding, but
also the restoration of historical justice and the revival of the
native lands," he explained.


The special representative emphasized that immediately after the
liberation of the territories as a result of the 44-day Second
Karabakh War, large-scale mine clearance and restoration work began
in those areas.


"These projects support the natural regeneration of Karabakh and
East Zangezur, inclusive and sustainable settlement, and the
restoration of economic activity, and play an important role in
transforming these regions into developed regions.


At the same time, these processes are of particular importance
in terms of eliminating the consequences of the destruction,
ecological terrorism, and deforestation committed during the
occupation," he added.


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.