Azerbaijan's push for green energy and innovation highlighted at UN SDG event

Azerbaijan is committed to enhancing cooperation with its partners and offering comprehensive support for the successful implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the upcoming years, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Yalchin Rafiyev.

At the event titled "Identification of High-Level Strategic Priorities" regarding the Framework Document between the UN and Azerbaijan for 2026-2030, Rafiyev highlighted the importance of this cooperation, Caliber.Az reports.

He stated, “However, it should be particularly emphasised that defining development needs and the framework for cooperation with the UN is a matter within the exclusive competence of the state. We hope that the new framework document will be prepared taking into account both existing realities and Azerbaijan's development indicators over the past 5 years, its current international position, as well as the expectations of the state and the government.”

Rafiyev also shared the UN’s focus on expanding green economy initiatives and ensuring social inclusiveness in Azerbaijan, adding, “We hope that, in coordination with the UN and other international partners, based on the principle of ‘no one should be left behind’, it will be possible to strengthen the foundations of a more just, stable and developing society.”

In recent years, Azerbaijan has partnered with the UN on projects worth $142 million, marking significant progress in their collaboration.

Deputy Economy Minister Samed Bashirli also addressed the event, emphasizing that sustainable development is a top priority for Azerbaijan's state policy. He explained, “Our country has adopted the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and integrated them into state strategies. More than 50 state programmes have been brought in line with the SDGs, and a National Coordination Council for Sustainable Development has been established. Azerbaijan has already presented its fourth national report at the UN High-Level Political Forum.”

Bashirli further noted Azerbaijan's ongoing strategic steps towards creating an economic model based on green energy, digital economy, and innovations. He added, “The concepts of ‘smart city’, ‘smart village’, and ‘green energy zone’ are being implemented in the liberated territories.”

Bashirli also referred to the current Framework Document for 2021-2025, which covers four key priorities: inclusive growth, strong institutions, environmental protection, and gender equality.

By Tamilla Hasanova