Azerbaijani official emphasises mine clearance as key to reconstruction At WUF13/PHOTO

Mine clearance is essential not only as a humanitarian effort that saves lives but also as a foundation for post-conflict reconstruction and economic recovery, said Vugar Suleymanov, Chairman of the Board of the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action.

Speaking during a session at the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, Suleymanov said demining enables the rebuilding of housing, restoration of infrastructure, revival of agriculture, expansion of transport networks, and broader economic development in affected areas, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

He noted that under Azerbaijan’s “Great Return” programme, mine clearance has been fully integrated into urban planning and reconstruction efforts in territories regained after the 2020 conflict.

According to Suleymanov, more than 270,000 hectares of land in Azerbaijan’s liberated territories have been cleared of mines and unexploded ordnance since November 2020, with over 250,000 explosive devices detected and neutralised.

He stressed that the mine threat remains a global issue affecting multiple countries, slowing reconstruction and posing ongoing risks to civilian populations.

“Addressing the mine problem cannot be limited to national efforts alone,” Suleymanov said. “It requires sustainable international support, partnerships, innovative approaches, and the sharing of advanced experience.”

By Sabina Mammadli