Azerbaijan proposes smart settlement concept at WUF13

Azerbaijan has presented a concept for smart settlements designed to facilitate the safe return of internally displaced persons, Elshad Iskandarov, Ambassador-at-Large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, said at the panel session "Peace-Positive Climate Action through Urban Solutions in Fragile and Conflict Affected Settings" at the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, Report informs.

Iskandarov introduced the participants to the Smart, Sustainable Settlements for Safe Return Package (4SRP) initiative, a comprehensive set of solutions aimed at developing technologically advanced and sustainable settlements that will ensure the safe return of internally displaced persons.

"Here, we intend to build on the experience of Zangilan and, more generally, on Azerbaijan's practice of restoring liberated territories, and in particular on Zangilan, which is recognized as a model example of smart and sustainable settlements for safe return. This initiative, in essence, encompasses all responses to existing challenges. Within the framework of this partnership and our decision to form an operational expert working group for its further development, two key areas have already been identified. First and foremost, guiding principles must be developed. Clear guidelines for the restoration of post-conflict territories, based on best practices, are needed – from Africa to the Caucasus, from Asia to the Balkans," the diplomat emphasized.