The first expanded meeting of the Public Council under the State Committee for Affairs of Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons was held in 2026.

At the meeting, the Chairman of the Public Council, Anar Khalilov, provided information on the results of the work carried out by the composition elected last year, the Council’s participation in the effective organization of the Great Return, and the tasks ahead.

It was noted that under the leadership of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, the process of the revival of Karabakh and East Zangezur has entered its most dynamic phase in 2026. It was stated that as a result of large-scale measures implemented within the framework of the “First State Program on the Great Return,” tens of thousands of our compatriots have already been ensured permanent resettlement in their ancestral lands.

The visits of the Head of State and First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva to the cities and villages liberated from occupation, as well as their personal supervision of construction and reconstruction works, were assessed as the main factors ensuring the speed and quality of the return process. It was particularly noted that this attention has created deep gratitude and great morale among citizens preparing to return and those who have already resettled.

Increasing public participation in ensuring the effectiveness of the Great Return was one of the main topics of the meeting. During the discussions, the following priority areas for 2026 were identified:

- Holding regular meetings of Council members with residents both in temporary accommodation places and in already restored areas;

- Extensive use of modern information and communication tools and innovative platforms to ensure the transparency of the process;

- Preparation of proposals to increase the economic activity and social adaptation of the returning population.

Rovshan Rzayev, Chairman of the State Committee, who participated in the meeting, expressed his gratitude to the Council members for their effective and objective activities. The Chairman of the Committee stated that the opinions and proposals of public representatives are highly appreciated by state bodies and are taken into account in the decision-making process. It was emphasized that in 2026, the relocation of more former internally displaced families to residential settlements restored and rebuilt in the territories liberated from occupation is planned, and that cooperation between the state and civil society is of decisive importance in this sacred mission.

The Chairman of the Committee listened to the opinions and proposals of the Council members and answered their questions.