The Great Return Program implemented in the liberated territories is an example of the application of the principles of the New Urban Agenda.
Modern.az reports that Gulshan Rzayeva, Deputy Head of the Apparatus of the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture, and Deputy National Coordinator of WUF13, stated this at the panel session titled “Global Housing Crisis: What is the Plan?” within the 13th session of the World Urban Forum held in Baku.
According to her, the construction and restoration works carried out in those territories are based on the principles of sustainability, inclusivity, smart city and village approaches, green energy zones, and climate-sensitive planning.
“Settlements in Karabakh are formed based on the "15-minute city principle". Here, housing is planned not only as a living space but also in conjunction with transport, education, healthcare, employment, and social services. This shows that adequate housing is not just a matter of price, but the creation of complete and functional communities.”
She added that climate resilience and inclusive urbanization are among the main directions of Azerbaijan's national priorities for socio-economic development until 2030:
“The upcoming decade should be a decade of implementation, not just discussion. According to her, the housing issue should be fully integrated into national development strategies, urban policies, and economic planning programs.”
