Azerbaijan tells UN of improved living standards amid reforms

At the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, Azerbaijan briefed the Third Committee on steps taken to boost socio-economic development and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Shahriyar Hajiyev, first secretary at Azerbaijan’s UN mission, said the country has been implementing consistent initiatives aimed at improving living standards, social protection and citizens’ welfare.

The “Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development” program outlines comprehensive measures to achieve national goals. The country’s fourth Voluntary National Review, submitted in 2024 and covering 2021–2024, highlighted progress towards the SDGs.

According to government figures, the minimum monthly wage has increased 3.3 times and pensions 2.4 times.

Special emphasis has been placed on post-conflict recovery, including demining, infrastructure development, social and economic revival and environmental sustainability. Azerbaijan has adopted a national SDG-18 on mine action. Despite these efforts, landmine casualties have reached 409, prompting calls for greater international support.