International Conference on Peacebuilding and Regional Security Held in Shusha

Shusha, The Gulf Observer: An international conference titled “Regional Contribution to Global Security: Peacebuilding in the South Caucasus” was held in Shusha on June 15, bringing together political leaders, diplomats, parliamentarians and party representatives from numerous countries to discuss regional cooperation, post-conflict reconstruction and sustainable peace.

The event was organized by the New Azerbaijan Party and opened with the reading of a message from President Ilham Aliyev by Adalat Valiyev, Head of the Presidential Administration’s Department for Relations with Political Parties and Legislative Authority.

Addressing participants, Aydin Karimov, Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan in the Shusha district, highlighted the ongoing reconstruction and revival efforts in the country’s liberated territories. He noted that cities and villages are being rebuilt, schools and kindergartens have resumed operations, and former refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) are returning to newly developed residential areas.

Karimov stated that more than 80,000 people currently live and work in the liberated territories, with over half being former refugees and IDPs. He also noted that around 30 historical and cultural monuments of local and national significance have been restored in Shusha.

During the panel discussion titled “Peacebuilding Mechanisms: Party Diplomacy Amid Global Challenges,” Tahir Budagov, Deputy Chairman and Head of the Central Office of the New Azerbaijan Party, underscored the historical significance of June 15 and referred to the signing of the Shusha Declaration as a landmark event in Azerbaijan-Türkiye relations.

Budagov said the declaration, grounded in the philosophy of “one nation, two states” associated with National Leader Heydar Aliyev, reflects the continuation of Azerbaijan’s National Salvation ideology under contemporary geopolitical conditions.

The conference featured contributions from several international participants, including Gurbanmammet Elyasov, Aktam Khaitov, Sayavong Bunyadet and Pavel Voicu. Speakers emphasized the importance of political dialogue and interparty cooperation in strengthening international trust and promoting peace and security amid global challenges.

A separate session titled “Regional Projects and Cross-Border Cooperation: Economic Basis for Sustainable Peace” focused on the role of economic integration in fostering regional stability. Participants included Samil Ayrim, Lu Mei, Thun Vathana, Mykyta Poturaiev and Malik Asif Tanveer.

The speakers highlighted the importance of transport corridors, trade partnerships and joint investment initiatives in promoting economic growth, deepening regional integration and building long-term confidence among nations.

Another panel discussion on “Post-conflict Reconstruction: Modern Challenges in Urban Development” examined the broader dimensions of rebuilding communities affected by conflict. Participants included representatives from Belarus, Tajikistan, North Macedonia, Serbia and Georgia, who stressed that reconstruction extends beyond infrastructure development and must also address social welfare, economic revitalization and the safe return of displaced populations.

The conference concluded with extensive exchanges of views among politicians, diplomats, lawmakers and political party representatives from Türkiye, China, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Serbia, Georgia, Cambodia, Laos and other countries. Discussions focused on global security challenges, regional cooperation, economic development, post-conflict recovery and sustainable peacebuilding efforts in the South Caucasus and beyond.