US analyst praises Azerbaijan’s progress: Karabakh reviving with return of former IDPs

Karabakh is experiencing a rebirth as former internally displaced persons (IDPs) return to the region, President of the US-based Global Policy Institute Paolo von Schirach said in an interview with Baku TV on the sidelines of the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum.

“Azerbaijan is a young, developing country with a bright future,” von Schirach noted, adding that the country is undergoing intensive development and is known for its hospitality, Caliber.Az informs.

“Although the issue with Armenia has not been fully resolved yet, a settlement is near. We are now in Karabakh, which was under occupation for more than 20 years. But that is in the past — people are now focused on the future. With the return of former IDPs, the region is reviving,” he said.

He also underlined that the presence of participants from over 50 countries at the forum reflects Azerbaijan’s capacity to create platforms for global dialogue.

Held under the theme “Digital Pathways: Strengthening Information and Media Resilience in the Age of AI,” the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum has brought together approximately 140 international guests from 52 countries, including representatives of over 30 news agencies, 7 international organisations, and around 80 media institutions.

The forum, which started on July 19, will run until July 21, featuring panel discussions, expert sessions, and field visits to Aghdam and Lachin, highlighting the post-conflict recovery and reconstruction efforts in Azerbaijan's liberated territories.

By Khagan Isayev