At the 13th session of the UN World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for Affairs of Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons, Mr Fuad Huseynov participated in a panel discussion on "Migration and Cities: A Framework for Safe, Innovative, and Sustainable Governance."
Following the panel discussion, Mr Fuad Huseynov had a conversation with the Editor-in-Chief of Global Art Magazine, Ms Jamala Nakhchivani, and discussed the scale of the state program "Great Return," Azerbaijan's humanitarian mission, and the new stage of post-conflict reintegration.
— Today, a panel discussion on migration and sustainable urban development was held as part of WUF13. What are your impressions?
— Today's panel discussions were organized as part of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum, held in Baku, jointly with the State Migration Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the International Organization for Migration. Representatives of the State Committee for Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons also participated in this discussion. We presented to the international community the activities being implemented within the framework of the "Great Return" state program, as well as Azerbaijan's approach to migration, sustainable development, and the restoration of liberated territories.
Today, migration is no longer viewed solely as a social or humanitarian issue. It is directly linked to the future of cities, security, and sustainable development. This is why such international platforms are particularly important.
During my speech, I detailed the "Great Return" state program and the extensive work the Azerbaijani government has already carried out within this program. I also recalled the difficult conditions in which our refugees and internally displaced persons lived for many years: in tent cities, railway cars, and other unfavorable places of residence.
Only after Azerbaijan's historic victory in the Patriotic War of 2020 were conditions created for the safe, dignified, and voluntary return of hundreds of thousands of our citizens to their homes. Today, the liberated territories are essentially being rebuilt. This is not simply a matter of restoring infrastructure, but of creating a modern living environment based on the principles of sustainable development, smart cities, and social inclusion.
— Can we say that the "Great Return" program is already becoming an international example of post-conflict reconstruction?
— This state program is unique both in its scale and in the level of destruction Azerbaijan has faced. The liberated territories suffered colossal destruction during the occupation. Mine contamination remains one of the most serious problems, posing a threat to the lives of civilians and simultaneously complicating the reconstruction process.
Despite this, Azerbaijan is implementing a comprehensive and systemic policy for the return of the population. I am convinced that in the near future, Azerbaijan will present to the international community a new, modern, secular model for the post-conflict reintegration of refugees and internally displaced persons into their homes.
— Thank you!
— Thank you!
Interview conducted by Jamala Nakhchivani, the Editor-in-Chief of Global Art Magazine.
