Azerbaijan is prioritizing youth development as a core component of its sustainable urban planning policy, with a particular focus on reconstruction projects in regions such as Shusha and Lankaran.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that Farhad Hajiyev, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, made these remarks during his speech at the Children and Youth Assembly held as part of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13).
The Deputy Minister expressed pride in seeing young people at the center of discussions on such a prestigious international platform. Emphasizing that the primary objective is to provide children and youth with stable lives, quality education, and secure living conditions, Hajiyev stated: "Currently, millions of children and youth worldwide live in conditions deprived of housing, quality education, and other fundamental opportunities. In Garabagh and East Zangazur, we are not merely constructing roads and infrastructure. We are simultaneously creating new opportunities, development prospects, and a favorable living environment for the youth. Azerbaijan is rebuilding nine cities in the post-conflict period, striving to build a sustainable and inclusive future."
The World Urban Forum, established by the United Nations, is the world's premier conference on urban issues, examining the rapid urbanization and its impact on communities, economies, and climate change. Azerbaijan's participation in WUF13 underscores its commitment to the "Great Return" program, which aims to revitalize the liberated territories through modern "smart city" and "smart village" concepts. These initiatives are designed to integrate advanced technology with sustainable living to ensure that the returning population, particularly the younger generation, has access to world-class infrastructure and economic opportunities in Azerbaijan.
