Azerbaijan hosts Energy Day at COP29, strengthens ties with Central Asia

On November 15, COP29 is hosting Energy Day, focusing on themes of peace, assistance, and recovery.

The agenda includes a ministerial meeting on COP29 energy initiatives, an investment forum dedicated to the energy transition in Central Asia, and a press conference led by Azerbaijan’s Minister of Energy, Parviz Shahbazov, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

Azerbaijan places significant emphasis on collaboration with Central Asian nations in developing and implementing regional renewable energy projects.

Speaking at the "Investment Forum on Energy Transition for Central Asia," held as part of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), Azerbaijan’s Minister of Energy, Parviz Shahbazov, stated:

“In recent years, Central Asian countries have embarked on key projects aimed at harnessing the region’s rich renewable energy resources and providing substantial solutions for energy resilience. Azerbaijan attaches great importance to cooperating with these nations to implement regional renewable energy initiatives. In this context, we have established a strategic partnership to advance the ‘Green Energy Central Asia – Azerbaijan’ project,” Shahbazov noted.

“This initiative is designed to bolster the role of these countries in transitioning to green energy and strengthening energy security. Such efforts create appealing opportunities for international investors.”

The minister also highlighted that the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is launching an initiative called the ‘Accelerated Partnership for Renewable Energy in Central Asia.’ This initiative aims to promote a green and inclusive economic transformation in the region.

“We believe that by removing key obstacles and enhancing regional cooperation, this partnership will provide considerable support in meeting Central Asia’s renewable energy goals, improving energy security, and achieving global climate objectives,” Shahbazov remarked.

Notably, on November 11, the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) opened at the Baku Olympic Stadium. The conference, running until November 22, marks the largest event organised by Azerbaijan to date and is being held in the region for the first time.

By Aghakazim Guliyev