Azerbaijan to establish specialised centres under D-8 framework

Azerbaijan will set up new specialised centres as part of the D-8 Organisation for Economic Cooperation, the country’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Yalchin Rafiyev, has announced.

Speaking at the opening of the D-8 Youth Dialogue in Baku, Rafiyev said the centres aim to strengthen collaboration among the “Islamic Eight” nations, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

“The centres will focus on climate issues, media, and the transport sector. This represents Azerbaijan’s contribution to the work of the D-8. The steps we are taking demonstrate how actively our country is engaged in the organisation’s activities,” he said.

The Deputy Minister also highlighted the significance of the Youth Dialogue, which represents the interests of 350 million young people from member states.

“Youth initiatives will shape our future. This event provides the perfect opportunity to bring our ideas to life,” he added.

Baku is hosting the inaugural D-8 Youth Dialogue, organised by Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Youth and Sports under the theme “Youth Shaping the Future of the Global Urban Agenda: Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Cities of Tomorrow.”

The opening ceremony was attended by senior officials from Azerbaijan, the D-8 Organisation, and Somalia, as well as UN Young Leader Merna Alzurikat.

The forum aims to empower young people to drive innovation, employment, and sustainable urban development. Key discussions focus on human capital, smart and inclusive cities, and the role of youth in shaping environmentally resilient urban futures.

By Aghakazim Guliyev