The role of Mass Media and the Public Sector in ensuring transparency in the restoration of Karabakh was discussed

Upon the initiative and organization of the Karabakh Revival Fund, with the support of the Ministry of Justice, a conference titled "The Role of Mass Media and the Public Sector in Ensuring Transparency in the Restoration and Reconstruction Works in the Liberated Territories" was held.

The event, conducted in a video conference format, was attended by Members of Parliament of Azerbaijan Hikmet Babayev, Vuqar Bayramov, Aynur Sabitova - Head of Human Rights and Communication Department at the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Rashad Majid - President of the Press Council, head of departments of the Karabakh Revival Fund, commercial institutions, as well as representatives of media and the public.

It should be noted that the event was organized as part of the implementation of directive No. 3199 dated April 4, 2022, of the head of state, which approves the "National Action Plan for Strengthening the Fight against Corruption for 2022-2026," specifically addressing the execution of task 6.9.

During the conference moderated by Parvin Baghirova, Director of Fundraising and Communication Department at the Karabakh Revival Fund, the main tasks and issues of ensuring transparency and competitiveness during the comprehensive restoration and construction works in the liberated territories following the glorious Victory of the Azerbaijani Army in the Patriotic War were discussed.

One of the speakers, Member of Azerbaijan Parliament Hikmet Babayev, stated that the implementation of the "Great Return" program is aimed at restoring Azerbaijan's full economic potential: "Currently, extensive restoration and construction works are being carried out in the liberated territories. Undoubtedly, accountability for these works is essential. It is gratifying that country's citizens highly appreciate the restoration and construction works taking place in Karabakh."

Member of Parliament of Azerbaijan Vuqar Bayramov emphasized that transparent expenditure of funds allocated from the state budget for the restoration of Karabakh and East Zangazur is a priority issue: "To date, nearly 12 billion manats have been allocated from the state budget for the restoration of Karabakh and East Zangazur.

In 2024, it is planned to allocate more than 4 billion manats. If we focus on the overall development strategy, by 2026, the volume of funds allocated from the state budget for the restoration of Karabakh and East Zangazur will exceed 20 billion manats. Therefore, ensuring transparency in the expenditure of these funds, along with public oversight, is crucial in the coming years."

Aynur Sabitova, Head of the Human Rights and Communication Department at the Ministry of Justice, while appreciating the importance placed on transparency in the activities of the Karabakh Revival Fund, also emphasized the importance of greater public participation in the reconstruction process for accelerating the "Great Return" process.

Orkhan Maharramov, Head of the Legal Department of the Karabakh Revival Fund, noted that special attention is paid by the Fund to the allocation of financial resources and compliance with legislative requirements during procurement. The department director also highlighted that the Fund has developed the "Rules for Granting Grants" and established the "Grant Commission" to ensure maximum transparency in the allocation of funds.

Mammad Hasanov, Head of the Finance Department of the Karabakh Revival Fund, provided information on the management of the Fund's finances and the assurance of transparency and accountability in its activities.

According to him, the Fund operates on the principles of transparency, accountability, and close cooperation with society: "This is evidenced by the opinion of 'PwC Azerbaijan,' one of the world's leading audit firms, on the Fund's financial statements. At the same time, the regular disclosure of the Fund's financial statements to the public demonstrates that the allocated funds are managed transparently."

At the conclusion of the event, the importance of national unity and solidarity as the leading direction in our Homeland's revival and the necessity of active participation from everyone in the revival of Karabakh were emphasized.