Azerbaijani FM named chair of UNESCAP's 82nd session

Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov has been elected Chair of the 82nd session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), following a working visit to Bangkok, Thailand. Azerbaijan will hold the chairmanship of the UN regional body for the next year.

The session opened under the theme “Leaving no one behind: advancing a society for all ages in Asia and the Pacific.” At the ceremony, a message from Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev was delivered by Minister Bayramov, Caliber.Az reports per the Foreign Ministry. 

In his address, President Aliyev highlighted growing geopolitical tensions and their impact on international peace and security, while reaffirming the importance of sovereignty and territorial integrity. The message also underscored Azerbaijan’s post-conflict priorities, including the restoration of full sovereignty, ongoing normalisation efforts with Armenia, and the country’s “Great Return” programme for displaced populations.

The address further drew attention to mine contamination as a continuing humanitarian and security challenge, as well as Azerbaijan’s economic development indicators and expanding role in regional connectivity. Particular emphasis was placed on the growing significance of the Middle Corridor as a strategic trade and transport route linking Europe and Asia, alongside its contribution to energy security.

Azerbaijan’s increasing engagement in multilateral platforms was also highlighted, including its chairmanship of the Organization of Turkic States and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), its hosting of COP29 in Baku, and its recent accession to the D-8 group, as well as upcoming international events such as the World Urban Forum.

Speaking in his capacity as incoming chair, Bayramov outlined Azerbaijan’s priorities for the session, focusing on inclusive development, digital transformation, green energy transition, regional connectivity, and strengthened multilateral cooperation.

He stressed that inclusivity remains central to development strategies in a rapidly evolving global environment, referencing Azerbaijan’s national development framework, “Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development,” which aims to build a competitive, knowledge-based economy.

Bayramov also highlighted the role of digital technologies, including e-government systems and artificial intelligence, in improving governance efficiency and public service delivery.

On climate and energy, he underscored the importance of renewable energy for long-term resilience and recalled key outcomes of COP29 in Baku, including commitments to mobilise at least $300 billion annually in climate finance. He emphasised the need to translate these commitments into concrete projects.

The minister further stressed the importance of transport, trade, and logistics infrastructure for inclusive growth, noting Azerbaijan’s strategic geographic position and the role of the Middle Corridor in strengthening regional cooperation.

Broader themes of peacebuilding, South-South cooperation, and multilateral diplomacy were also highlighted as key pillars of Azerbaijan’s agenda during its chairmanship.

Deputy Foreign Minister Yalchın Rafiyev also addressed the general debate, focusing on social inclusion, equality, and ensuring that all segments of society are involved in sustainable development processes.

By Sabina Mammadli