Azerbaijan’s ECO Clean Energy Centre to boost regional sustainability drive

The ECO Clean Energy Centre, a key regional initiative based in Azerbaijan, is set to become part of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to promote clean energy and foster sustainable development through international collaboration.

The announcement was made by Rovshan Mirzayev, deputy head of the Economic Cooperation Department at Azerbaijan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during a panel discussion titled “Azerbaijan and ECO: Opportunities and Prospects” held in Baku, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

Mirzayev stated that the final legal procedures required to formalize the Centre’s integration into the UNIDO structure are currently underway. Once completed, the affiliation is expected to significantly enhance the Centre’s institutional capacity, enabling it to serve as a hub for clean energy innovation, policy alignment, and regional collaboration among member states of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO).

Seamlessly linking this announcement to broader strategic priorities, Mirzayev emphasized that Azerbaijan continues to regard the development of cooperation with ECO countries—particularly in the fields of transport and energy—as a national priority. Highlighting Azerbaijan’s leadership within the organization, he noted, “Azerbaijan stands among the most active members of ECO, following the founding states, and has chaired the organization on two separate occasions.”

He underscored that Azerbaijan’s close ties with ECO stem from shared strategic interests and longstanding partnerships. “We attach great importance to cooperation with ECO, as we have strong allies within the organization. Azerbaijan remains committed to maintaining and expanding these relations,” he added.

In addition to the Clean Energy Centre, Mirzayev also revealed plans for the establishment of an ECO Research Centre in Azerbaijan. Both initiatives are now in their final stages of development and are expected to bolster regional cooperation on key policy and technological challenges, further positioning Azerbaijan as a leading force in the integration of sustainable infrastructure and economic connectivity in Central Eurasia.

By Vafa Guliyeva