Today, Azerbaijan is implementing one of the largest reconstruction and return programs in the region, Emin Huseynov, the President’s special representative in the Aghdam, Fuzuli and Khojavand districts, said during his speech at the event titled “Housing at the Center of Recovery and Reconstruction After Crisis” held within the framework of WUF13, APA reports.
Emin Huseynov said that cities and villages in the Aghdam, Fuzuli and Khojavand districts are being rebuilt from scratch: “This process is based on the principles of long-term sustainability, inclusiveness and resilience. Our approach is based on one key principle: housing must come first. Because housing restores people’s sense of dignity, stability and trust.
When families return to safe homes, schools reopen, local economies revive, social ties are restored, and communities regain confidence in the future. A significant number of former internally displaced persons have already returned to the reconstructed settlements, and more people are expected to return in the coming years. New residential areas, schools, healthcare institutions and public services are beginning to operate toward restoring normal life. At the same time, reconstruction must not repeat the vulnerabilities of the past. We must build better, smarter and more sustainable urban systems. That is why Azerbaijan is integrating modern urban planning, green energy, digital governance and sustainable infrastructure into the reconstruction process.”
He added that through the “Smart City” and “Smart Village” concepts, technology-based and sustainable communities are being formed in the Aghdam, Fuzuli and Khojavand districts. Several villages are already serving as advanced examples.
It was also noted that these projects incorporate renewable energy solutions, high-speed digital connectivity, including fiber-optic internet infrastructure, modern social infrastructure, and environmentally responsible urban planning:
“Hybrid energy systems based on solar energy and the national electricity grid, as well as two-way electricity meters, are being implemented for the first time in Azerbaijan. We are also implementing innovative solutions that replace hundreds of individual boiler systems with safer and more energy-efficient centralized heating systems.
Residents are able to independently regulate heating and pay only for the energy they actually use. This significantly reduces energy loss and CO2 emissions.”
