Baku: Azerbaijan is actively engaging with civil society institutions to restore and reconstruct mine-contaminated areas, as stated by Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, during the 'WUF13 NGO Forum: Global Partnerships and Decision-Making' event held in Baku. Hajiyev emphasized the country's commitment to significant restoration efforts in these territories.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Hajiyev highlighted the success of the Global South NGO Platform, established within the COP29 framework, which is evolving into a successful international initiative. The platform's General Assembly was formed this year, and Hajiyev expressed optimism about its future prospects. He underscored the pressing urban challenges faced by countries worldwide, including rapid urbanization, population growth, and climate change, noting that Azerbaijan is not immune to these issues.

Hajiyev also drew attention to Azerbaijan's historical urban planning traditions, referencing ancient cities like Gabala as centers of trade, science, cooperation, and culture. He emphasized the importance of preserving cultural heritage while developing modern urban areas, identifying this as a key contemporary challenge.