Gulshan Rzayeva: Azerbaijan promotes 4SRP initiative for settlement restoration

The inclusivity of the Smart, Sustainable Settlements for Safe Return Package (4SRP) initiative consists not only of presenting the Azerbaijan model for the restoration of settlements, but also of creating conditions for attracting financing and improving the quality of urban projects in countries that have experienced military conflicts, stated by Gulshan Rzayeva, Deputy Head of the Staff of the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture and Deputy National Coordinator of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), during her speech at the panel session titled "Climate-Positive Peace Impact through Urban Solutions in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Areas" held within the framework of WUF13 in Baku, Report informs.

According to her, the initiative is aimed at supporting states that are in the process of recovery.

Rzayeva emphasized that the 4SRP initiative also envisages the establishment of quality standards and mechanisms that will enable projects to meet the requirements of international financial institutions:

"The inclusivity of this initiative consists, firstly, of presenting the Azerbaijan model, secondly, of mobilizing financing for such projects and solutions, as well as supporting countries through standards and quality assurance mechanisms to ensure that projects meet the requirements of financial institutions."

According to her, the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture works in close coordination with partners, including Azerbaijan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on creating initiatives that serve both national interests and the international agenda.

Once the standards are finalized and agreed upon, the initiative could become a practical tool for countries facing development challenges, and cities will gain access to the necessary platforms and solutions.

Rzayeva also noted that the 4SRP is viewed as a "legacy" initiative in Azerbaijan that logically continues the agenda from COP to WUF.