Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Protection of the Population, Hidayat Abdullayev, participated in the 64th session of the United Nations Commission for Social Development. The session, held in New York City, USA, focused on the theme “Promoting Social Development and Social Justice through Coordinated, Equitable and Inclusive Policies.”

In his speech at the session, the Deputy Minister provided information on the achievements of five social reform packages implemented in Azerbaijan over the past seven years in line with the instructions of President Ilham Aliyev. He noted significant increases in social payments as a result of these reforms, which involved an additional allocation of 8 billion manats and covered approximately 40 percent of the population.

It was emphasized that the “State Programme on the Development of Social Services in the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2023–2026” contributes to social welfare, equal opportunities, and inclusive development. It was also noted that reforms carried out in the fields of labour, employment, and social protection are in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the principle of “leaving no one behind.”

Information was provided on the DOST centers, which have become a new national brand of Azerbaijan. It was highlighted that Azerbaijan, having restored its territorial integrity and sovereignty, is successfully implementing the Great Return Programme in its liberated territories, ensuring that returning residents are covered by comprehensive social support and active employment measures.

Within the framework of the session, Hidayat Abdullayev also participated in a side event titled “Building a Sustainable, Inclusive and Long-Term Care System through Social Solidarity: Türkiye’s 130-Year-Old Charity and Social Service Institution ‘Darülaceze’ as a Best Practice.” In his remarks, he drew attention to the efforts undertaken in Azerbaijan to provide social support to persons in need of special care.

During the session, the Deputy Minister also highlighted Azerbaijan’s positive experience in poverty reduction at a panel discussion on “Eradicating Poverty and Ensuring Dignity through Sustainable Care and Support Systems.”

As part of the session, a bilateral meeting was held between Hidayat Abdullayev and Deputy Minister of Family and Social Services of Türkiye, Adil Çalışkan, during which views were exchanged on future cooperation prospects.