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The event began with the performance of the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Subsequently, a minute of silence was observed to honor the memory of the Great Leader Heydar Aliyev and the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our country. Delivering the opening speech, Ibad Abbasov, Rector of Baku Business University, welcomed the participants and spoke about the significance of the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture.” It was noted that President Ilham Aliyev defined the unparalleled development path of independent Azerbaijan based on the solid foundations established by the Great Leader Heydar Aliyev. The “Great Return” is a logical continuation of the strategic development line established by the Great Leader Heydar Aliyev for Azerbaijani statehood. It was the National Leader Heydar Aliyev who, by establishing the foundations of national state-building, formulated the restoration of our lands as a historical goal. This political and ideological line was successfully continued by President Ilham Aliyev in accordance with the realities of the new era. The achievements in the military-political and diplomatic spheres demonstrated the strength of the unity between the people, the government, and the army to the entire world. The victory achieved in the 44-day Patriotic War was a celebration of our people’s solidarity. This victory led to both the liberation of native lands and the restoration of state sovereignty. Currently, the large-scale restoration and construction work carried out in the liberated territories shows that the “Great Return” has become a reality. Large-scale projects implemented in Karabakh and East Zangezur are a manifestation of the revival of life there. As a result of President Ilham Aliyev's visionary policy, modern infrastructure is being built and a new living environment is being formed in the liberated lands. This process will provide a stable and prosperous life for future generations. The return to historical lands is a triumph of the head of state's wise policy. From a social perspective, the Great Return is the restoration of human dignity. The gradual relocation of residents to their native lands is carried out in a planned and safe manner. Modern residential complexes and infrastructure meet high standards of living and activity. First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva is the primary guarantor of humanitarian and social directions in these processes. The Heydar Aliyev Foundation consistently and successfully implements educational, cultural, and social projects in the liberated territories. Rövşən Muradov, a member of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan, stated in his extensive report on the "Great Return" that last year, during the "Year of Constitution and Sovereignty," our people celebrated the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the first Constitution of our independent state and the 5th anniversary of our historic victory in the 44-day Patriotic War as magnificent holidays. It is well known that the brilliant victory achieved as a result of the 44-day Patriotic War and local anti-terror measures was made possible by the invincible political and military will and determination of the Victorious Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Ilham Aliyev, the heroism of our army, the lives of our heroic soldiers and officers and martyrs, and the blood of our veterans. Thus, the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our country were fully restored, and thanks to this magnificent victory of exceptional importance in the life of our state and people, our National Flag flies majestically in all territories where sovereignty has been restored. As a result of the victory, for the purpose of reintegrating the liberated territories into the country's overall economy, benefiting from the opportunities of new international and regional transport-logistics corridors, returning hundreds of thousands of internally displaced persons to their former places of residence, and ensuring the safe and dignified living of the population, the "Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development" was approved by the President. In connection with their realization, the "Strategy for Socio-Economic Development of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2022–2026" and the "I State Program on the Great Return" were adopted through other decrees. To date, 7 billion manats have been allocated from the state budget for the implementation of the aforementioned strategy, and the planned tasks have been executed at a level of approximately 78 percent. The overall implementation rate of the "I State Program on the Great Return" is approximately 79 percent. Today, the main investment projects are directed toward Karabakh and East Zangezur, and rapid restoration and construction work is being carried out in the liberated lands under the direct participation and leadership of the President. Including the year 2025, 21.6 billion manats have been allocated for the restoration of the liberated territories. In 2026, this figure will amount to 3.5 billion manats. In total, since 2020 and including 2026, more than 25.1 billion manats have been allocated from the budget for the restoration of the liberated territories. These funds were mainly directed toward security measures, the establishment of settlements, and the implementation of socio-economic and infrastructure projects, the added value of which for our economy is expected in the medium and long term. In the initial stage, the construction of 15 settlements, including cities, towns, and villages in the liberated territories, has been completed, ensuring the population's residency and reintegration into economic activity. Currently, the construction of 27 settlements and the repair and restoration of 25 settlements are being carried out. Additionally, the foundations for 21 settlements have been laid. Taking into account the high potential of the Karabakh and East Zangezur economic regions for renewable energy sources, the development of these territories as a green energy zone has been identified as one of the priorities of state policy. Accordingly, 38 hydroelectric power plants have been commissioned in the Karabakh and East Zangezur economic regions so far, along with 4 reservoirs to ensure sustainable water supply in the areas. To ensure an uninterrupted supply of electricity, 14 substations have been built, and over 1,000 kilometers of high-voltage power lines have been installed. Since forming industrial potential in the liberated territories is one of the primary goals, the industrial parks established in the Aghdam and Jabrayil districts hold special significance for this purpose. Currently, 50 enterprises are registered as residents and 7 as non-residents in both industrial parks, which demonstrates the private sector's growing interest in the liberated territories and the formation of the institutional foundations of the investment environment. The agricultural land area in the Karabakh economic region amounts to 610,500 hectares, while in the East Zangezur economic region, it is 299,600 hectares, which allows for the gradual inclusion of extensive crop fields, hayfields, and pastures into production cycles. Serious attention is also paid to the establishment of education and healthcare infrastructure to ensure a comfortable life for the population in Karabakh and East Zangezur. To this end, 19 general education institutions, 7 preschool education institutions, and Karabakh University—the region's first higher education institution—have been commissioned to date. Within the framework of the State Program, the operation of 18 healthcare facilities in total, including 1 district central hospital, 6 family health centers, 7 medical points, 3 modular hospitals, and 1 polyclinic, has been fully ensured. As part of ensuring the return of the population and their integration into the liberated territories, the relocation of 26,351 individuals across 6,597 families has been ensured to date in 36 settlements (7 cities: Fuzuli, Lachin, Shusha, Khojaly, Jabrayil, Kalbajar, Aghdam; 3 settlements: Girmizi Bazar and Hadrut in the Khojavend district and Karkijahan in the city of Khankendi; and 26 villages). As a result of the work performed, more than 70,000 people currently live and work in Karabakh and East Zangezur, including former internally displaced persons, those involved in the implementation of regional projects, as well as individuals performing official duties in local branches of various state bodies and working in reopened healthcare, education, culture, tourism, industry, and energy enterprises. To date, 249,872.6 hectares of the liberated territories have been cleared of mines and unexploded ordnance. Under projects with a total value of 454 million manats in the liberated territories, 185 million manats have been invested so far, and residents operating in industrial parks have produced more than 900 million manats' worth of products. Consequently, nearly 5,000 new jobs were created in the liberated territories between 2020 and 2024. 2026 has been declared the "Year of Urban Planning and Architecture" in our country. In accordance with the First State Program on the Great Return, planning documents for more than 100 settlements—including 12 cities, a scale rarely seen in world architectural and construction practice—have been prepared and construction work has commenced in these territories declared as "green energy" zones between 2020 and 2025. The revival of Shusha, the cultural capital of Azerbaijan and a source of pride for our people, by restoring its original architectural environment and authentic historical appearance, is a manifestation of national will. The decision to hold the Thirteenth session of the UN World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku in 2026 demonstrates Azerbaijan's growing role in sustainable urban planning processes. However, by the end of 2026, 41.9 million manats are projected for the relocation of 95,900 people (23,275 families) across 91 settlements (11 cities, 3 towns, 77 villages) within the framework of the State Program in the liberated territories. According to the information, 5 million manats are also earmarked within the program for subsidizing compulsory state social insurance contributions from the state budget for insured persons working in the non-state sector (excluding the oil and gas fields) operating in these areas. Additionally, 2 million manats are planned to be allocated for providing financial assistance to entrepreneurs engaged in production activities in these territories, amounting to 20 percent of monthly payments for electricity, natural gas, water supply, and sewage services. Consequently, in accordance with "Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development," Decree No. 611 dated May 30, 2025, was approved by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan regarding the preparation of the "Strategy for Socio-Economic Development of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2027–2030" and the "II State Program on the Great Return to the Liberated Territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan." This aims to ensure the sustainable development of socio-economic achievements gained in recent years, expand the attraction of direct foreign investment, further strengthen the favorable business environment, increase the knowledge and technology intensity of the economy, and ensure the sustainability of the Great Return to the liberated territories. Göydəniz Qəhrəmanov, a member of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan, delivered a speech noting that the Azerbaijani people have historically fought for freedom and justice and are now experiencing the fifth anniversary of the Victory, which is the pinnacle of that struggle. The statehood strategy established by National Leader Heydar Aliyev has been developed by President Ilham Aliyev in accordance with the requirements of the modern era. As a result of this policy, our country has achieved great successes in economic, military, and diplomatic fields. The historic Victory won in the Patriotic War was the logical conclusion of these successes. The Great Return Program implemented in the liberated lands realizes the joy of the people returning to their native homes. The Great Return stands at the center of the political, social, and ideological development concept of modern Azerbaijan. At the foundation of this concept lies the strong philosophy of statehood defined by National Leader Heydar Aliyev. National Leader Heydar Aliyev directly linked the future development of Azerbaijan with the restoration of its territorial integrity. President Ilham Aliyev emerged as the leader who resolutely implemented this historic mission. Under his leadership, Azerbaijan created new political realities on regional and international scales. Restoration and construction work in Karabakh and East Zangezur is carried out systematically and in stages. Economically, these territories are being formed as new development zones. Transport-logistics and green energy projects ensure long-term economic sustainability. The schools, hospitals, roads, and residential settlements built in these lands demonstrate the state's will for restoration and construction. In the social sphere, the Great Return is based on citizen welfare. The gradual return of former internally displaced persons to their native homes is the restoration of social justice. Education, healthcare, and employment opportunities are being created in parallel. First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva plays an important role in the implementation of social projects. The initiatives of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation are among the main pillars of social and humanitarian restoration. From an ideological perspective, the Great Return is the consolidation of national unity. This policy forms solid foundations for the future development of Azerbaijan. This process further strengthens the unity of the people, their faith in the state, and their love for the Motherland. The return process is a celebration of both national pride and sovereign statehood. Speaking at the conclusion, Bakhtiyar Nabiyev, Chairman of the YAP Yasamal district organization, stated that the Great Return constitutes a significant stage in the history of Azerbaijan's statehood. The ideological and political foundations of this stage were established by National Leader Heydar Aliyev. The statehood strategy of National Leader Heydar Aliyev was dedicated to protecting national interests and restoring historical justice. Thanks to the visionary political course defined by National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the resolute leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, the Azerbaijani people have achieved the sacred return they had longed for over many years. The struggle for the liberation of lands that remained under enemy occupation for nearly 30 years demonstrated our people's determination, unity, and loyalty to the state. The victory achieved and the full restoration of sovereignty represent the triumph of not only military strength but also historical justice. At the foundation of this immense success lie the ideas of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, the successful policies of President Ilham Aliyev, and modern army building. In the post-conflict period, victorious Azerbaijan entered a phase of development and reconstruction, with Karabakh and East Zangezur becoming the primary centers of the Great Return. The large-scale restoration and reconstruction work carried out in these territories demonstrates the state's economic potential. The Great Return Program, implemented under the leadership of the head of state, ensures the restoration of life in the liberated lands. The reconstruction of cities and villages, modern infrastructure, and green energy projects are vivid examples of Azerbaijan's path of development. The return to historical lands is an indicator of the restoration of national identity and the power of the state. The regular visits of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, to the liberated districts, his close acquaintance with the restoration and construction work, the inaugurations he performs, and his meetings with residents are received by our people with great enthusiasm. Today, the foundations of major development have already been laid in the liberated territories. Like the rising sun, the warmth of the Azerbaijani state's policy breathes new life into Karabakh and East Zangezur. It was noted that in the social aspect, the Great Return process—based on the principles of security and sustainability—involves the phased relocation of residents to their native lands. New settlements are being built in accordance with modern urban planning standards. First Vice-President and President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Mehriban Aliyeva, plays a crucial role in the coordination and implementation of the titanic work carried out within the Great Return process. Furthermore, the Foundation makes special contributions to the restoration of cultural heritage and social facilities in the liberated territories. From an ideological perspective, the Great Return is the revival of the national spirit and historical memory. This process is a brilliant manifestation of the Leader-people unity and the strong state model. At the event, in support of the President's Great Return Program to the liberated territories, and within the framework of President Ilham Aliyev's Decree dated December 22, 2025, declaring 2026 the "Year of Urban Planning and Architecture" in our country, it was decided to implement a project based on the proposal of the Rector of Baku Business University, Doctor of Economic Sciences, Professor Ibad Abbasov. For the first time among higher education institutions, student construction squads consisting of volunteer students from Baku Business University will be created and involved in various restoration and reconstruction works in the liberated lands during their summer holidays. Following the speeches, the anthem of the New Azerbaijan Party was played, and a commemorative photo was taken.