Mine clearance paves way for progress on SDGs, UN-Habitat director says

Azerbaijan has adopted a targeted approach in which mine clearance, housing, basic services, and livelihoods are treated as interconnected priorities, Report informs, citing statements by Director of the Regional Office of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Erfan Ali at the 4th International Mine Action Conference in Baku.

According to him, Azerbaijan took an important step by adapting National Sustainable Development Goal No. 18 and recognizing landmine contamination as a major obstacle to the safe return of the population, resettlement, recovery, prosperity, and peace-building.

"This also sends an important message that extends far beyond Azerbaijan. Mine clearance acts as an accelerator of development and can ultimately open the path to progress across all Sustainable Development Goals," Ali noted.

He emphasized the special significance of this approach for implementing the Great Return program and the ongoing recovery of Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur.

"The goal is not simply to render the land safe, but to restore communities, social life, and economic opportunities," he said.

Ali added that this approach aligns with conclusions reached by UN-Habitat through its global work across Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

He also noted that UN-Habitat intends to deepen cooperation with the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA), the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture, other state bodies of Azerbaijan, municipalities, and the UN Country Team.

According to him, this cooperation aims to further advance mine action, refine urban policy and specialized strategies, and strengthen the connection between national urban policy, the Great Return program, and subsequent recovery projects.