UN hears of Azerbaijan’s expanding welfare reforms and post-conflict recovery plans PHOTO

At the meeting of the Third Committee (“Social Development”) during the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, participants were briefed on Azerbaijan’s achievements and initiatives in socio-economic development, including its progress in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The statement was delivered by Shahriyar Hajiyev, First Secretary of Azerbaijan’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, according to local media.

Hajiyev highlighted that Azerbaijan consistently carries out initiatives aimed at improving citizens’ welfare, strengthening social protection, and raising living standards.

He noted that the national program “Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities of Socio-Economic Development,” approved by the President of Azerbaijan, outlines comprehensive measures aligned with the country’s established priorities.

“By submitting its fourth National Voluntary Review in 2024, Azerbaijan presented detailed information on its national commitments for the 2021–2024 period, demonstrating steady progress in fulfilling the SDGs set out in the 2030 Agenda,” Hajiyev emphasised.

The diplomat recalled that as a result of socio-economic policies implemented over the past decade, the country’s monthly minimum wage has increased by 3.3 times, while the minimum pension has risen 2.4 times.

Hajiyev also outlined the progress achieved in post-conflict rehabilitation and reconstruction. “The government’s main priorities in this process include demining, infrastructure development, economic and social recovery, and environmental sustainability,” he said.

Recognising the urgency of mine action, which covers mine clearance, explosive hazard risk education, and victim assistance, Azerbaijan has introduced a national SDG 18 specifically dedicated to mine action.

“Unfortunately, the number of mine victims in Azerbaijan since the end of the conflict has reached 409, underscoring the need for greater accountability and stronger international support in this field,” Hajiyev stressed.

By Tamilla Hasanova