Nuno Queiroz: UNDP project aims to develop municipalities in Azerbaijan

The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) project of Municipality Heads in Support of Economic Development is aimed at improving the activities of local self-government bodies in Azerbaijan, UNDP Acting Resident Representative in Azerbaijan Nuno Queiroz said at a meeting with the heads of municipalities that won the competition for a grant under this program.

According to him, this initiative, implemented by UNDP with the financial support of the European Union, is the first for local governments in Azerbaijan.

The winning municipalities will be provided with technical and financial support for the implementation of their projects.

The program was launched in Azerbaijan in March last year and 55 local municipalities from all over the country joined it.

According to regional project manager Tina Stoum, it "will help develop the country's economy and create a new future for Azerbaijan."

She noted that the focus of this program is very broad, including the green transition, providing support to municipalities in education, economic growth and more.

"This is a regional project, and we want to see its fruits, including in Azerbaijan," Stoum said.

Elmin Hasanov, Deputy Director of the Center for Work with Municipalities of the Ministry of Justice, recalled that this year is especially important for Azerbaijan:

"The 100th anniversary of national leader Heydar Aliyev will be celebrated in 2023. In this regard, it is planned to implement many projects aimed at developing Azerbaijan."

Hasanov noted that the municipalities of Azerbaijan are ready to cooperate within the framework of the UNDP project.