Azerbaijani speaker chairs general discussions of inter-parliamentary conference in Geneva Underscores need for broader cooperation to achieve UN SDGs

Azerbaijan’s Speaker of the Milli Majlis (Parliament) Sahiba Gafarova presided over the general discussions on the second day of a parliamentary conference in Geneva, where she spoke on the importance of tackling hurdles that countries are faced with for the implementation of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Speaker Gafarova delivered her speech within the framework of the 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in the Swiss city, Caliber.Az report citing local media.

She brought attention to the fact that significant concerns remain regarding the successful implementation of the UN's SDGs, pointing out that experience from recent years indicates that a comprehensive approach is needed at both the national and international levels.

Gafarova emphasized that Azerbaijan attaches great importance to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and has made considerable progress in its implementation: “Azerbaijan has already submitted four Voluntary National Reviews to the UN High-Level Political Forum. Our government has aligned more than 50 state programs, national development plans, and strategies with the SDGs.”

She also highlighted that the reconstruction of the liberated Karabakh and East Zangazur regions of Azerbaijan, along with the implementation of the “Great Return” program (aimed at resettling former internally displaced persons that were forced to abandon their homes amid the illegal occupation by Armenian troops) is making a significant contribution to the achievement of the SDGs.

“More than 50,000 people are already living, working, and studying in these territories as a result of the ongoing reconstruction efforts,” she informed the audience.

The speaker concluded by stressing that the timely and effective implementation of the 2030 Agenda also depends on the unification of efforts and mutual support between countries.

Organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), in close collaboration with the United Nations, the discussions featured speeches by the heads of parliaments from around 30 countries.

The session then continued under the chairmanship of Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China.

An approximate 120 delegations are attending the conference, which takes place from 29 to 31 July 2025 in the United Nations Office in Geneva, including speakers of parliament from 102 countries, deputy speakers from 38 countries, and representatives from various international organizations.

By Nazrin Sadigova