Baku Declaration establishes SPECA Climate and Innovation Dialogue

On November 15, 2024, the SPECA Ministerial Meeting on Climate and Innovation Dialogue was held as part of the ongoing COP29 summit in Azerbaijan.

Economy Minister Mikail Jabbarov emphasized the importance of the SPECA (Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia) initiative for the region, highlighting the platform's significant role in fostering regional cooperation, Azerbaijan's Economy Ministry told Caliber.Az.

He noted that SPECA contributes to economic development, environmental sustainability, and innovation across its member countries, helping them build resilience in the face of climate change challenges.

The SPECA Climate and Innovation Dialogue was described as a key platform for unifying countries and supporting the goals set by the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Dialogue aims to develop joint strategies to mitigate the environmental, social, and economic impacts of climate change, while driving the transition to a low-carbon, sustainable economy.

Minister Jabbarov emphasized that the Dialogue facilitates collaboration across various sectors to develop practical solutions for knowledge-sharing and green development. The initiative will help enhance the adoption of innovative and sustainable practices in the region, promoting renewable energy, energy efficiency, and the transition to a circular economy.

Additionally, the establishment of the SPECA Multilateral Trust Fund was discussed. This fund will act as a flexible mechanism to address common challenges such as climate change, economic integration, and sustainable development across the region.

The event was attended by key international figures, including Armida Salcia Alishahbana, the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), and Tatiana Molchan, the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). Both leaders emphasized the importance of dialogue and collaborative initiatives in overcoming global climate challenges. They highlighted how effective dialogue can lead to synergies in areas such as strengthening innovative ecosystems and advancing sustainable development technologies.

Regional leaders also participated, with Nurlan Baibazarov, Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, Sanzharbek Bolotov, Deputy Minister of Economy and Trade of Kyrgyzstan, and Shokhrukh Gulamov, Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan, underscoring the significance of regional and international cooperation on climate issues. They expressed optimism about the benefits of the Multilateral Trust Fund and the Climate and Innovation Dialogue.

Presentations on the SPECA Climate and Innovation Dialogue and the SPECA Multi-Donor Trust Fund were given, culminating in the signing of the Baku Joint Ministerial Declaration, officially establishing the Dialogue.

By Tamilla Hasanova