New york: A comprehensive application of the New Urban Agenda principles is taking place in the liberated territories in Garabagh and East Zangezur, said Anar Guliyev, Chairman of the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of Azerbaijan, during the High-Level Meeting on the Midterm Review of the implementation of the New Urban Agenda of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York, the United States.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, under the State Program on Great Return, Azerbaijan is applying a 'building back better' approach based on comprehensive master planning to support the safe and dignified return of formerly displaced persons.

Master plans have been approved for 8 cities out of 12, as well as for 106 towns and villages. Today approximately 90,000 people live, work, and study in these territories. Housing is being developed alongside education, healthcare, infrastructure, and public services. More than 15,700 housing units have received construction permits, he said, adding that three international airports, new road and railway infrastructure are strengthening connectivity, while industrial parks in the cities of Aghdam and Jabrayil are supporting investment and employment.

The region is also being developed as a Green Energy Zone, 'smart city' and 'smart village' concepts, renewable energy and climate-responsive planning are integrated into new communities. These approaches go beyond post-conflict reconstruction. Our experience has reinforced a broader lesson: urban recovery is not only about rebuilding infrastructure. It is all about restoring livelihoods creating conditions for lasting peace and sustainable development, the Committee Chairman added.