Azerbaijani minister highlights Azerbaijan's green technology achievements at COP29

Azerbaijan’s transition to “green” technologies is being driven through its e-government platform, which is enhancing the efficiency, accessibility, and environmental sustainability of public services, Rashad Nabiyev, the country’s Minister of Digital Development and Transport said.

Nabiyev made these comments as he addressed a high-level roundtable on green digital action, held on the margins of COP29, Caliber.Az reports per local media

“Azerbaijan is proud of its contribution to the multilateral initiative on green digital action, alongside our partners. We are undergoing a transformation through the e-government platform, which is making public services not only more efficient but also more accessible and environmentally friendly,” Nabiyev noted.

He emphasized that the shift towards a fully digital government has already begun, with several key life processes now fully digitized. Among the initiatives is a modern system for the exchange of digital documents between government agencies, which has significantly reduced paper usage, contributing to environmental sustainability.

Nabiyev also highlighted the role of Azerbaijan’s Digital Bridge initiative, which processes approximately 1.5 million transactions daily. This platform has played a key role in reducing the country’s environmental impact. "The environmental benefits are significant, as this system streamlines processes that were previously reliant on physical infrastructure," he pointed out.

Additionally, Azerbaijan has been actively utilizing satellite technology to monitor environmental changes such as droughts, desertification, and water management. The country’s satellite data collection provides essential insights to help manage climate change impacts and make timely, informed decisions. “Our satellites deliver crucial data that aids in environmental monitoring and adaptation to climate challenges,” Nabiyev added.

In the telecommunications sector, Azerbaijan is committed to reducing the environmental footprint of its digital infrastructure. "We are investing in renewable energy for telecoms infrastructure, especially in remote areas. For example, our solar-powered base stations use renewable energy over 60 per cent of the time, significantly cutting energy consumption and emissions," the Minister explained.

At the same roundtable, Nabiyev stressed the importance of optimizing data centers to further reduce energy consumption. He pointed out the central role of digital technologies in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

“Technology, particularly artificial intelligence, holds great potential for climate adaptation,” Nabiyev said. “

“AI could contribute to reducing up to 4 per cent of global emissions and has a significant impact on global electricity consumption. To improve the situation, it is essential to apply clean technologies and collaborate in developing effective plans that will create new opportunities for public institutions, improving their efficiency.”

The Minister concluded by reiterating that Azerbaijan is well on its way to achieving its goals in creating a fully digital government system.

"The process has already begun, and we are moving steadily toward the successful implementation of our digital government vision," Nabiyev said.

By Vafa Guliyeva