Azerbaijan-led youth organizations brought global attention to the critical role of mine action in post-conflict urban reconstruction during a high-level side event at the United Nations, held alongside the 2026 ECOSOC Youth Forum.
On the margins of the 2026 ECOSOC Youth Forum, the Non-Aligned Movement Youth Organization (NAMYO) and the National Assembly of Youth Organizations of Azerbaijan (NAYORA), with the support of the Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan to the United Nations, organized a side event on April 16 at UN Headquarters.
Titled “Rebuilding Safely: The Role of Mine Action in Urban Reconstruction,” the event brought together youth representatives, international experts, and policymakers to discuss the importance of ensuring safety in post-conflict recovery.
Deputy Permanent Representative Elvin Ashrafzada opened the event by welcoming participants and emphasizing that safety is a fundamental prerequisite for rebuilding cities. He highlighted the growing importance of engaging young people in mine action efforts, particularly through the application of modern technologies.
Richard Boulter, Chief of Design, Operational Support and Oversight at the United Nations Mine Action Service, provided an in-depth overview of the challenges associated with mine action in urban environments. He pointed to key technical and operational constraints, stressing that sustained support and a clear strategic vision are essential for achieving meaningful progress.
Further remarks were delivered by Elnur Gasimov, Head of the Quality Control Department at the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA); Leyla Hasanova, Chairperson of NAMYO; and Rafael Hajibayli, Chairman of NAYORA. The speakers highlighted ongoing initiatives in their respective fields, focusing on awareness-raising, strengthening international cooperation, and advancing Azerbaijan’s national mine action efforts.
The event concluded with active discussions among youth delegates, representatives of Member States, international organizations, academia, and civil society participating in the 2026 ECOSOC Youth Forum, underscoring the shared commitment to safer and more resilient urban reconstruction worldwide.
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