The Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA) has organized a session titled "Urban Reconstruction in the Post-Conflict Period: The Critical Role of Humanitarian Demining" within the framework of the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13). According to Operative Information Center-OMM, the event held at the Azerbaijan pavilion brought together government officials and representatives of international organizations to highlight the landmine problem facing Azerbaijan and its impact on the restoration and reconstruction process.
Speaking at the event, Vugar Suleymanov, Chairman of the Board of ANAMA, emphasized that demining is not merely a humanitarian activity to save lives but the fundamental basis for reconstruction. "This activity creates the necessary conditions for rebuilding homes, restoring infrastructure, reviving agriculture, and developing transport networks," Suleymanov stated. He noted that demining is fully integrated into the urban planning and development processes under the "Great Return" program, which facilitates the repatriation of former internally displaced persons to the liberated territories.
The panel discussion, moderated by Emil Hasanov, Deputy Chairman of the Public Council under ANAMA, featured Samir Poladov, Deputy Chairman of ANAMA; Mariyana Kuyundziç, Head of the European Union Delegation to Azerbaijan; Rodrigo Labardini, Professor at ADA University; and Ramil Jahangirov, Head of the Project Management Department of the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture. The participants discussed international cooperation and the strategic importance of humanitarian demining in building safe and inclusive cities in the post-conflict period.
Azerbaijan remains one of the most landmine-contaminated countries in the world following decades of occupation. Since the liberation of its territories in 2020, the Republic of Azerbaijan has prioritized demining as a prerequisite for all civil activities in the Garabagh and East Zangezur regions. The World Urban Forum, established by the United Nations in 2001, serves as the premier global conference on sustainable urbanization, providing a platform for Azerbaijan to share its unique challenges and expertise in post-conflict recovery and urban resilience.
