Azerbaijan showcases new vision for sustainable urbanization ahead of World Urban Forum – AzerNews

Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Sustainable Development Goal Alignment

Economic Revitalization and Infrastructure Development

Rapid reconstruction and development initiatives are underway in post-conflict territories, aligning with several key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These efforts focus on creating a foundation for long-term stability and prosperity.

• Industrial Growth and Employment: The establishment of new factories is central to the revitalization strategy. This directly supports SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by providing residents with permanent employment and fostering economic resilience. It also contributes to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) by promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization.
• Dignified Return of Displaced Persons: Facilitating the dignified return of former internally displaced citizens is a core objective. This action is crucial for achieving SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by rebuilding inclusive and safe human settlements, and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) by restoring social cohesion and stability.

Critical Impediments to Sustainable Development

Despite significant progress, a critical challenge severely hampers development efforts and threatens human security.

• Landmine Contamination: The most significant obstacle is widespread landmine contamination. This issue poses a direct threat to civilian life and the successful implementation of reconstruction projects.
• Humanitarian Impact: According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs data, landmine explosions have victimized 412 individuals since the conclusion of the 44-day war in 2020. This humanitarian crisis is identified as a serious violation of international humanitarian law.

Impact of Landmine Contamination on SDG Achievement

The presence of landmines creates a direct and multifaceted barrier to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

1. Violation of SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions): The deliberate targeting of civilians and the obstruction of reconstruction efforts through landmines fundamentally undermine the goal of promoting peaceful and inclusive societies. It represents a significant challenge to establishing justice and security.
2. Obstruction of SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Landmine contamination renders land unsafe, directly obstructing the safe return of displaced populations and impeding the development of resilient infrastructure and sustainable communities.
3. Threat to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): The high number of casualties from landmine explosions is in direct opposition to the goal of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all, creating a lasting public health crisis.
4. Hindrance to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): By disrupting reconstruction, preventing access to agricultural land, and making infrastructure projects hazardous, landmine contamination severely restricts economic activity and hinders progress towards sustained and inclusive economic growth.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article highlights issues that are directly connected to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Based on the content, the following SDGs can be identified:

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The article mentions that “New factories are opening, residents are being provided with permanent employment.” This directly relates to promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The focus on “reconstruction and development work” and the return of “former internally displaced citizens to their native lands” connects to the goal of making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. The challenge of “landmine contamination” is a direct barrier to creating safe communities.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: The central issue of landmine contamination as a consequence of conflict is a core concern of SDG 16. The article describes it as a “humanitarian tragedy” that “targets civilians” and constitutes a “serious violation of international humanitarian law,” which aligns with the goal of promoting peaceful and inclusive societies and reducing all forms of violence.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Several specific targets under the identified SDGs are relevant to the article’s content:

1. Under SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth):
   • Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value. The article’s statement that “residents are being provided with permanent employment” directly addresses this target.
2. Under SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities):
   • Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums. The effort to facilitate the “dignified” return of “former internally displaced citizens” implies the need for safe housing and communities. The landmine issue is a major impediment to achieving the “safe” aspect of this target.
3. Under SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions):
   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere. The article explicitly mentions that “412 people have become victims of landmine explosions since the end of the 44-day war in 2020.” Landmines are a form of violence that causes death and injury, making this target highly relevant.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions or implies indicators that can be used to measure progress:

• For Target 16.1: The article provides a direct quantitative indicator.
  • Indicator Mentioned: The number of civilian casualties from explosive remnants of war. The text states, “412 people have become victims of landmine explosions since the end of the 44-day war in 2020.” This figure serves as a direct measure of the impact of landmines and progress (or lack thereof) in reducing violence-related deaths and injuries.
• For Target 8.5: The article implies an indicator for employment.
  • Indicator Implied: The number of new jobs created. The phrase “residents are being provided with permanent employment” suggests that tracking the number of jobs is a key metric for the success of the reconstruction efforts.
• For Target 11.1: The article implies an indicator related to the return of displaced persons.
  • Indicator Implied: The number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have safely returned to their homes. The mention of “former internally displaced citizens are returning to their native lands” points to this as a measure of progress in re-establishing safe and sustainable communities. The landmine issue acts as a negative indicator, obstructing this return.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: azernews.az