Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for Affairs of Refugees and IDPs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Fuad Huseynov, spoke at the panel discussion titled “Migration and Cities: A Framework for Safe, Innovative, and Sustainable Governance,” jointly organized by the State Migration Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the International Organization for Migration within the framework of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13).
In his speech, the Deputy Chairman provided detailed information about the activities carried out by the State Committee as the main implementing body under the Action Plan of the First State Program on the Great Return to the liberated territories, particularly regarding the return of internally displaced persons to their native lands.
It was emphasized that President Ilham Aliyev continuously oversees efforts aimed at ensuring sustainable resettlement in Garabagh and Eastern Zangezur. He regularly meets with residents returning to their native lands, inspects the work being carried out to ensure their safe and comfortable living conditions, and gives relevant instructions in this direction. During her visits to the liberated territories, First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva pays special attention to the reconstruction of the region, particularly its cultural development and the restoration of historical and cultural heritage sites.
It was noted that the liberation of Azerbaijan’s territories created an opportunity for internally displaced persons to exercise their fundamental and universal rights — the right to return safely, voluntarily, and with dignity to their native lands.
During the preparation of the Great Return Program, international experience, modern challenges, and the potential of the liberated territories were taken into account. The principles of “equal opportunities for all,” “inclusive approach,” and “leaving no one behind” served as guiding principles. Today, Azerbaijan is carrying out the important mission of restoring and rebuilding Karabakh and surrounding territories, while ensuring the phased return of internally displaced persons. Within this process, “smart villages,” “smart cities,” the “green economy,” and modern urban planning approaches hold a special place, with contemporary architectural and urban planning principles being applied.
The Deputy Chairman noted that new resettlement plans have already been approved for 91 settlements, including 12 districts and 11 cities. He described this as one of the rare and unique examples in global urban planning and architectural practice.
Despite the scale of the work being carried out, it was stressed that the failure to fully provide maps of mined areas continues to pose a serious threat to civilians and slows down the Great Return process. It was stated that despite all these challenges, including mine danger and large-scale destruction, the Azerbaijani state is resolutely continuing this process.
In addition, the panel discussion addressed issues such as the interaction between migration and urban planning processes, safe and inclusive urban governance, social resilience, housing provision, and the integration of migration policy into urban development.
The panel continued with an interactive Q&A session and concluding discussions.
