BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 22. The Azerbaijan
National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) has held a side event on
the topic “Post-Conflict Urban Reconstruction: The Critical Role of
Humanitarian Mine Action” as part of the 13th Session of the World
Urban Forum (WUF13), one of the most prestigious events of the
United Nations, hosted by the country, Trend reports.


The event, organized at the Azerbaijani pavilion, brought
together representatives of state agencies and international
organizations to bring the mine problem facing our country to the
attention of the international community, highlight the impact of
the mine threat on the recovery and reconstruction process, as well
as discuss global cooperation and recovery practices in the field
of mine action.


Delivering his opening speech at the event, ANAMA Board Chairman
Vugar Suleymanov stated that mine clearance isn't only a
humanitarian activity that saves lives, but also the main basis for
recovery and reconstruction. This activity creates the necessary
conditions for the reconstruction of housing, infrastructure
restoration, agricultural revival, development of transport
networks, and revival of economic activity. Within the framework of
the "Great Return" Program, mine clearance activities are fully
integrated into urban planning, reconstruction, and development
processes.


He emphasized that the mine threat slows down the recovery
process not only in Azerbaijan, but also in a number of countries
around the world, limits development opportunities, and puts the
safety of the population at risk. That is why today's platform is
of particular importance. Eliminating the mine problem is not
limited to national efforts, but requires continuous international
support, partnership, innovative approaches, and sharing of best
practices.


The panel discussions, moderated by Deputy Chairman of the
Public Council under ANAMA, Emil Hasanov, included Deputy Chairman
of the Board of Directors of ANAMA, Samir Poladov, Head of the
European Union Delegation to Azerbaijan, Ambassador Marijana
Kujundzic, Professor of ADA University, former Ambassador
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mexico to Azerbaijan, Rodrigo
Labardini, and Head of the Project Management Department of the
State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture of Azerbaijan,
Ramil Jahangirov.


Panel discussions were held on the topics of mine action as a
basis for urban reconstruction and the Azerbaijani experience,
international cooperation to support post-conflict recovery and
reconstruction, and urban development and reconstruction in
mine-cleared areas.


The side event highlighted the strategic importance of
humanitarian mine action in rebuilding safe and inclusive cities in
the post-conflict period.


Today marks the final day of the 13th session of the World Urban
Forum (WUF13).


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.


The fifth day of WUF13 continued discussions on the global
housing crisis, the creation of safe and inclusive cities, climate
resilience, the use of artificial intelligence in urban management,
green urbanization, and social equality.


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.