Azerbaijan has presented its "smart settlements" concept designed to facilitate the safe return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their native lands. The proposal was introduced during a panel session titled "Climate-Peace Positive Impact through Urban Solutions in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Settings," held within the framework of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13).
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that Elshad Isgandarov, Ambassador-at-Large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, detailed the "Smart and Sustainable Settlements for Safe Return" (4SRP) initiative. Isgandarov emphasized that the model is based on the successful reconstruction experience in Zangilan and other liberated territories. "We intend to base this on the Zangilan experience and Azerbaijan's overall expertise in restoring liberated areas, particularly Zangilan, which is recognized as an exemplary model for smart and sustainable settlements. This initiative essentially encompasses all responses to existing challenges," the diplomat stated, adding that an expert working group has been formed to develop guiding principles for post-conflict recovery applicable from Africa to the Balkans.
The World Urban Forum, established by the United Nations, is the premier global conference on sustainable urbanization. Azerbaijan's selection as the host for WUF13 in 2026 underscores the international community's recognition of the country's large-scale "Great Return" program. This program integrates "smart city" and "smart village" technologies to rebuild infrastructure in the Garabagh and East Zangazur regions, ensuring that the returning population benefits from modern, eco-friendly, and technologically advanced living standards after decades of displacement.
