MP: Choosing Baku as CECECO HQ another victory for Azerbaijan

Fariz Ismailzade, member of the Milli Majlis (Parliament), announced that Baku has been selected as the headquarters of the Clean Energy Centre of the Economic Cooperation Organization (CECECO), a milestone diplomatic achievement for Azerbaijan.

He made the remarks during a roundtable at ADA University held to mark International Clean Energy Day, underlining the strategic importance of hosting CECECO in advancing Azerbaijan’s regional leadership in renewable energy and sustainable development initiatives, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

“This effectively turns Baku into a global diplomatic hub. Several international organisations have already opened offices here, including this newly established international energy centre,” he said.

The Clean Energy Centre, whose charter came into force on August 26, 2025, is expected to play a central role in accelerating the region’s energy transition. 

Its work will focus on developing low-carbon and climate-resilient energy infrastructure, supporting high-value-added production and services, and facilitating knowledge and technology transfer among OEC member countries through the Global Network of Regional Centres for Sustainable Energy (GN-SEC).

CECECO will also provide technical assistance, professional training, and mobilise investments to implement local energy solutions.

In 2024, Azerbaijan inaugurated the ECO-UNIDO Clean Energy Centre (CECECO) during COP29, in partnership with the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).

Minister of Energy Parviz Shahbazov described the Centre as a “strategically significant initiative” for Azerbaijan and all ECO member states, aimed at promoting regional cooperation, accelerating renewable energy adoption, and integrating energy networks such as the Azerbaijan-Turkiye-Europe and Central Asia-Azerbaijan green energy corridors.

ECO Secretary General Dr Asad M. Khan highlighted the Centre as a key step in mainstreaming sustainable energy within the ECO agenda, calling for continued regional dialogue and resource mobilisation to support its mission.

UNIDO Deputy Director General Ciyong Zou noted that CECECO will act as a hub for innovation, capacity-building, and south-south and triangular cooperation on clean energy, linking development, energy security, and climate resilience.

The launch drew participation from ECO member state ministers and representatives of international financial institutions, including OFID, the Abu Dhabi Foundation, the Asian Development Bank, the Islamic Development Bank, and the Eurasian Development Bank.

By Aghakazim Guliyev