Karabakh holds vast potential for renewable energy investments, UN-Habitat official says

Karabakh holds vast and promising potential for attracting investments in renewable energy, Erfan Ali, Director of the Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), said at the 4th International Mine Action Conference.

Report quotes him as saying mine action is the cornerstone from which any urban recovery efforts in conflict or post-conflict situations must begin.

"In the Karabakh region and Eastern Zangazur, the government's efforts in mine action are of paramount importance. They enable the transition to subsequent stages of urban recovery planning - the restoration and reconstruction of housing, basic services, public facilities, roads, social infrastructure, hospitals, educational institutions, schools, and so forth," Ali noted.

He emphasized that energy is also of critical importance for urban restoration, ensuring sustainable recovery, and facilitating the return of the population under the Great Return program.

"As far as energy is concerned, we must certainly consider renewable energy sources and sustainability aspects if we are talking about the build back better principle. Opportunities for investing in renewable energy in this region are immense and very promising," the UN-Habitat representative said.

According to him, the development of renewable energy also aligns with ambitious plans to expand transport and energy corridors within the strategic vision for the region.

"We have heard about the Middle Corridor, which connects the region, Central Asia, and Europe. This region, alongside the efforts being implemented here in Azerbaijan - particularly the ambitious plans in Karabakh - fully aligns with that goal," he concluded.