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Press Release
06 June 2024
UNDP and ANAMA signed the Statement of Intent on cooperation in establishment of the International Centre of Excellence and Training for Mine Action in Azerbaijan
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Story
31 May 2024
Azerbaijan and Lao PDR: ‘Twins’ in pursuit of the SDGs
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Press Release
20 May 2024
Empowering financial service providers in Azerbaijan to address financial needs of migrants
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Latest
The Sustainable Development Goals in Azerbaijan
Over the last eight years, Azerbaijan has demonstrated its firm commitment towards achieving the 2030 Agenda. The President of the Republic of Azerbaijan issued the Decree in 2016, to establish the National Coordination Council for Sustainable Development - a key partner for the United Nations to channel its support to the Government of Azerbaijan since then.
Azerbaijan has been one of the first countries to undertake a MAPS mission (Mainstreaming, Acceleration and Policy Support for the 2030 Agenda) which outlined concrete policy and programming steps that could be taken to accelerate the goals nationally, the experience which was presented at the 2018 Baku Forum on Sustainable Development. This regional event also marked the adoption of the Baku Principles which established provisions for the integration of SDGs and acceleration of their implementation.
With UN support, the National Information Portal on SDGs was launched, which introduces an interactive dashboard, collects consolidated data, tracks and monitors progress towards the SDGs in real-time. UN provides continuous support to strengthen national statistical capacities to produce quality data while focusing on disaggregation to Leave No One Behind.
United Nations also makes special efforts to engage different groups including the private sector, media, parliamentarians, and the public, among others, in promoting the Goals.
Publication
10 May 2024
UN Azerbaijan - Annual Results Report 2023
We are pleased to share with you the UN Country Results Report for 2023. The report highlights the last year's results of our joint efforts with the Government, civil society organizations, academia, the private sector, and the achievements in in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
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Press Release
09 May 2024
FAO Azerbaijan held a meeting with Young Leaders
On May 7, 2024, a meeting with 'Young Leaders' took place at the Partnership and Liaison office of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Azerbaijan. The main purpose of the meeting was to discuss climate change, Sustainable Development Goals, challenges, and opportunities for future cooperation, and to exchange knowledge on effective directions to act upon. At the organized meeting, Mrs. Adila Aliyeva, Manager of Work with Volunteers at COP29, Mrs. Anastasia Lavrina, CBC TV presenter and expert commentator, Mr. Azer Aliyev, General Director of the Youth Development and Career Center, and Mr. Roman Gojayev, International youth expert and Gender Hub Azerbaijan co-founder and executive director, participated. The youth representatives made a presentation informing the FAO team about the institution they represent and the activities they are currently performing. During the meeting, Mr. Nasar Hayat, the representative of FAO in Azerbaijan, made an opening speech. After greeting the youth, he informed them about the activities of FAO related to youth. In his speech, Mr. Hayat said, "FAO understands that the key to the future lies in the hands of the next generation and we are optimistic about the future despite the challenges ahead."In turn, FAO experts exchanged ideas with the youth about the work that has been implemented and future prospects. At the end of the meeting, it was decided to continue the cooperation in the directions mentioned during the discussion.
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Press Release
09 May 2024
IOM Azerbaijan hosted a closing ceremony for its "Integrated Rural Development for Internally Displaced Communities in Azerbaijan through Revitalization of Kahriz Water Supply System" project
Baku – On 30 April 2024, IOM Azerbaijan hosted a closing ceremony for its “Integrated Rural Development for Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Communities in Azerbaijan through Revitalization of the Kahriz Water Supply System” project, funded by Korea’s International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).In his welcoming remarks, Mr Amr Taha, IOM Chief of Mission a.i. expressed appreciation to all government and non-government partners for the support over the past 25 years which allowed for the rehabilitation of 200 Kahrizes across Azerbaijan, -33 of which under this project. UN Resident Coordinator, Ms Vladanka Andreeva highlighted the importance of this initiatives for downstream countries, adding it contributes to the UN’s cooperation framework 2021-25 and that Kahriz rehabilitation is referenced as a good practice in UN 2.0 map, as “innovation through recovery”. Ms Youkyoung Hwang, Representative of the Korean Embassy expressed her gratitude to KOICA, IOM, and all partners, including the significant contributions from various ministries and agencies. During her speech she also mentioned that “By rejuvenating the Kahriz water system, we have provided IDP communities not only with access to clean and sustainable water sources but have also empowered these communities towards self-sustainability and economic independence”. Government counterparts also underscored the importance of Kahriz rehabilitation not only as a sustainable water management system but also as it aligns with COP 29; and Azerbaijan Presidency’s initiative on water; as well as The Year of Solidarity for a Green World as announced by President Aliev, and the county’s Great Return Programme. Community representative, Mr. Samandar Musayev shared stories about the social importance of Kahrizes as a place of gathering for communities to celebrate and commemorate important events, in addition to the cultural heritage value. Ms Sulim Hwang, KOICA Country Director, emphasized the importance of inclusive development enabled through this USD 4,42M grant, and Mr. Mahammad Ibrahimov, IOM Project Assistant shared concrete examples of a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach throughout the rehabilitation process. The project developed a bilingual national Atlas of Kahrizes in Azerbaijan and corresponding virtual atlas Kahriz Atlas (azkahriz.az); drafted a National Master Plan on Kahriz Revitalization in Azerbaijan; established a Kahriz Research and Information Centre in which Kankans -specialised traditional kahriz labourers which allow the preservation of this dying craft.
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Press Release
26 March 2024
Mr. Achim Steiner, the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme, pays an official visit to Azerbaijan
Baku, March 15th, 2024. Mr. Achim Steiner, the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme, paid an official visit to Azerbaijan to participate in the XI Global Baku Forum, the flagship event of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center. Mr. Steiner joined the panel discussion titled as “From Good Words to Good Deeds: What Objectives can be set for COP29” at the XI Baku Global Forum. The UNDP Administrator underscored the importance of COP and the viability of the multilateral process as the avenue towards continued climate and sustainable development action. He highlighted some of the key goals for COP29, including the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG), and its significance on the road to COP30 and for wider climate progress. UNDP’s expertise in the COP sphere and commitment to working with the COP29 Presidency were also stressed in the speech. In the frame of his official visit, Mr. Steiner met with H.E. Mr. Ilham Aliyev, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The UNDP Administrator commended Mr. Aliyev for his victory in the recent presidential elections and highlighted the anticipation of a new period marked by opportunities for progress and development under his leadership. He thanked Mr. President for the work of the Government of Azerbaijan in leading sustainable development in the region and making significant progress in the last decade on economic growth, stability, and social progress.President Ilham Aliyev briefed Achim Steiner on Azerbaijan’s development strategy until 2030, noting that the green transition is one of the priority areas for the country. The Head of State said that the renewable and green energy potential of the country exceeds 200 gigawatts, adding that Azerbaijan will have the opportunity to produce 5 megawatts of renewable energy resources in the near future. In this context, the President emphasized that Azerbaijan took the initiative to form a renewable green energy corridor linking the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea, and that cooperation with the countries of the region is underway in this regard. Achim Steiner pointed out that Azerbaijan's green transition transformation aligns perfectly with the concept of hosting COP29, and the country's example will be presented to the international community.President Ilham Aliyev invited Achim Steiner to the COP29 Conference, which the latter accepted.During the visit, a series of meetings with a specific reference to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the COP29 Presidency of Azerbaijan was held with the national authorities. The UNDP Administrator met with Mr. Jeyhun Bayramov, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, productive discussions were held upon current issues.
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Story
06 June 2024
Azerbaijan and Lao PDR: ‘Twins’ in pursuit of the SDGs
This is true for the UN development system that is working to support progress towards the 2030 Agenda, and it is true for the Member States that designed and signed up to it. And when we are falling so far behind, with Asia-Pacific collectively heading for a 32-year delay according to the latest estimates from ESCAP, that search for ideas needs to go beyond the most obvious places.Amongst the many efforts to analyze sustainable development progress, bottlenecks, and their solutions, perhaps the most extensive at the country level are the Voluntary National Reviews that countries can opt to develop and present to the High-Level Political Forum annually. These extensive, and collective, exercises speak to the universality of the SDGs and take a deep look at how close we are to reaching our 2030 targets, and shape ideas and policies that can help us to get there faster.
This year, Azerbaijan and Lao PDR are both undertaking such reviews.At first glance, Azerbaijan, an upper-middle income country in the South Caucasus, would seem to have little in common with Lao PDR, a country working towards graduation from Least Developed Country status in the heart of tropical Southeast Asia.But look closer, and many more areas of common interest begin to emerge.
Both have strong track records of commitment to the SDGs- Azerbaijan is preparing its fourth Voluntary National Review and Lao PDR its third. Both have worked hard to integrate the SDGs into national frameworks and policies. And both have encountered major obstacles to their pursuit of sustainable development for all. Perhaps most prominently, both have developed a bespoke SDG18. For Lao PDR, SDG18 aspires to ‘Lives safe from unexploded ordnance’. For Azerbaijan, SDG18 covers ‘Actions to combat mine threats’. In both cases, removing the threats from landmines and explosive remnants of war is considered essential for progress across the SDGs, despite this not being a clear element of the global 2030 Agenda.
It is precisely the combination of these similarities and differences that set the context for a successful ‘twinning’ exchange between the two countries organized under a flagship ESCAP initiative to support Voluntary National Review processes. Arranged by ESCAP with support from UN Resident Coordinator’s Offices, UNDP, and UNICEF, the series of virtual and in-person exchanges between the two countries shared concrete ideas and experiences on how the SDGs can be pursued in a broad range of areas.
This included sharing pragmatic experiences on how SDG policies and indicators can be prioritized, which is particularly valuable in the context of ongoing work to develop the next cycle of the National Social Economic Development Plan for Lao PDR. The ‘twins’ were able to compare notes on how national institutions and structures can be organized to integrate and promote the achievement of the SDGs, such as through the establishment of national committees, and clearly linking policy discussions to financial resources.And lessons were shared on how different groups of stakeholders can be effectively and substantively engaged in national processes for the delivery of the 2030 Agenda- in particular how young people and volunteers can be engaged as a demographic that is so critical to the future development prospects of both countries.
This is already leading to new and promising areas of partnership. At the High-Level Political Forum in New York in July, a joint side event will be organized focused on the respective SDG 18s, working together to raise the profile of this critical development challenge for achievement across the SDGs for both countries.Discussions have also started on possible collaboration on issues related to climate change, and in particular climate finance in the lead up to Azerbaijan’s hosting of COP29 later this year.Exchanges are continuing on how Azerbaijan’s successful experiences in the digital delivery of public services could be shared with counterparts in Lao PDR as it embarks on its Digital Government Masterplan.And building on this success, plans are afoot to continue the exchange, next time in Vientiane.We are collectively badly off-track from our vision for 2030, and in urgent need of actions to change the trajectory. But, as the experiences of Azerbaijan and Lao PDR show, precisely because that vision is so universal, there is a world of ideas and inspiration out there that countries can draw on. It’s our job to help build that bridge.
This year, Azerbaijan and Lao PDR are both undertaking such reviews.At first glance, Azerbaijan, an upper-middle income country in the South Caucasus, would seem to have little in common with Lao PDR, a country working towards graduation from Least Developed Country status in the heart of tropical Southeast Asia.But look closer, and many more areas of common interest begin to emerge.
Both have strong track records of commitment to the SDGs- Azerbaijan is preparing its fourth Voluntary National Review and Lao PDR its third. Both have worked hard to integrate the SDGs into national frameworks and policies. And both have encountered major obstacles to their pursuit of sustainable development for all. Perhaps most prominently, both have developed a bespoke SDG18. For Lao PDR, SDG18 aspires to ‘Lives safe from unexploded ordnance’. For Azerbaijan, SDG18 covers ‘Actions to combat mine threats’. In both cases, removing the threats from landmines and explosive remnants of war is considered essential for progress across the SDGs, despite this not being a clear element of the global 2030 Agenda.
It is precisely the combination of these similarities and differences that set the context for a successful ‘twinning’ exchange between the two countries organized under a flagship ESCAP initiative to support Voluntary National Review processes. Arranged by ESCAP with support from UN Resident Coordinator’s Offices, UNDP, and UNICEF, the series of virtual and in-person exchanges between the two countries shared concrete ideas and experiences on how the SDGs can be pursued in a broad range of areas.
This included sharing pragmatic experiences on how SDG policies and indicators can be prioritized, which is particularly valuable in the context of ongoing work to develop the next cycle of the National Social Economic Development Plan for Lao PDR. The ‘twins’ were able to compare notes on how national institutions and structures can be organized to integrate and promote the achievement of the SDGs, such as through the establishment of national committees, and clearly linking policy discussions to financial resources.And lessons were shared on how different groups of stakeholders can be effectively and substantively engaged in national processes for the delivery of the 2030 Agenda- in particular how young people and volunteers can be engaged as a demographic that is so critical to the future development prospects of both countries.
This is already leading to new and promising areas of partnership. At the High-Level Political Forum in New York in July, a joint side event will be organized focused on the respective SDG 18s, working together to raise the profile of this critical development challenge for achievement across the SDGs for both countries.Discussions have also started on possible collaboration on issues related to climate change, and in particular climate finance in the lead up to Azerbaijan’s hosting of COP29 later this year.Exchanges are continuing on how Azerbaijan’s successful experiences in the digital delivery of public services could be shared with counterparts in Lao PDR as it embarks on its Digital Government Masterplan.And building on this success, plans are afoot to continue the exchange, next time in Vientiane.We are collectively badly off-track from our vision for 2030, and in urgent need of actions to change the trajectory. But, as the experiences of Azerbaijan and Lao PDR show, precisely because that vision is so universal, there is a world of ideas and inspiration out there that countries can draw on. It’s our job to help build that bridge.
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Story
17 May 2024
Annual Results Report 2023
The report highlights the last year's results of our joint efforts with the Government, civil society organizations, academia, the private sector, and the achievements in in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.Click here to read the report
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Story
04 April 2024
The lingering impact of landmines on children and families in Azerbaijan
As the world marks Mine Awareness Day, Akif remembers his two sons who died in a landmine explosion, and other family members who still live with the scars.When 65-year-old Akif heard that his grandson and two sons had been caught up in a landmine explosion, he raced to help – only to find himself facing the same fate. “We saw that one of my sons was lying on the ground,” recalls Akif, who lives in a village near Agdam, in Azerbaijan. “I called to him but he didn’t respond, and he was covered in blood. One had a child in his arms and he had no legs. My friend told me to pick him up and put him on my back. After that, I don’t remember anything.” Separate blasts killed two of Akif’s sons, and injured his eight-year-old grandson Huseyn. Akif was rushed to hospital with a broken leg, while a neighbour, trying desperately to save the family, was also wounded in the tragedy. “I don’t know where we would be if he hadn’t come,” says Akif. “My grandson is still receiving psychological support. He often stutters when he speaks and when he gets angry, he finds it difficult to cope with his feelings and it takes him time to calm down.” “Who would want something like this to happen to their child in their home?” adds Huseynova, the boy’s mother. “My son still does not like to talk about what happened. He is afraid of the dark.” Explosive remnants of war and landmines remain a major risk for communities living in parts of Azerbaijan which, after years of conflict, is now one of the most mine-contaminated countries in the region. Since November 2020, 65 people have been killed and 289 people injured from explosive ordnance across Azerbaijan, including nine children. This is why, UNICEF is prioritising its partnership with the government on Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) and capacity building. Without effective EORE programmes and including them in the school curriculum, there are concerns that the number of casualties will continue to increase.“Providing lifesaving risk education will continue to be a priority for UNICEF in the coming years,” says Saja Farooq Abdullah, UNICEF Representative in Azerbaijan. “No child should ever be at risk when coming home from school, walking in the park or having fun outdoors. We will continue our critical risk education programmes in areas where needs are the highest, raising awareness of risks and life-saving safety rules in schools and communities, as well as providing mental health and psychosocial support services.” Thousands of families and children are already benefitting from these life-saving community engagement and communication activities, such as UNICEF’s partnership with the Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA) and the Ministry of Science and Education, which has helped over 20,000 children to receive EORE through school-based activities. This partnership has also helped over 124,000 people, including 46,000 children in conflict-affected areas, to receive EORE through face-to-face sessions, and contributed to the development of more than 720 billboards and printed materials that raise awareness in these territories.
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Story
12 March 2024
When a woman deminer talks…
Samaya Ahmadli: My father supported me in this decision, he always stood behind meSamaya is originally from Aghdam. She worked as a geography teacher for six years, and always had an interest in the military. Her brother is a soldier who passed through the war. Samaya is one of the eighteen newly trained women deminers that were accredited in November 2023 during a ceremony in Baku with participation of high-level officials from ANAMA, the European Union (EU), UNDP, and other officials. Thanks to theoretical and practical trainings conducted by the international experts of the Mine Advisory Group (MAG), the first teams of women deminers acquired the foundational knowledge, skills and required code of conduct to recognize, detect and mark mines and unexploded ordnance, and to provide first aid.“I started work with great enthusiasm, as if I was going to be rewarded. You must be cool-headed, I have no fear.”She talks about her friends at the school who did not expect her to become a deminer, but now they follow her with great interest. She is very happy."My family did not agree at first, but my father supported me in this decision. My mother was not used to seeing me in special clothes, now she accepts it easily. She is still a bit worried, they regularly contact me."Samaya had difficulties at first, it was not easy for her to work under the sun, mainly in hot weather, but later she got used: "I have always had white and sensitive skin, so I avoided the sun, but I got tanned here," she jokes.Samaya is so proud of being a part of this initiative, the first one in Azerbaijan."I want to contribute to the Great Return. We are working on our lands."The two demining teams of 24 people, including 18 women deminers, 2 healthcare workers, 2 team leaders and 2 deputy team leaders were established within the framework of the “Supporting safe return of Internally Displaced People through capacity building of the Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA)” initiative funded by the EU andimplemented by UNDP in partnership with ANAMA, the International Eurasian Press Fund (IEPF) and the MAG. Jeyhun Alakbarov, UNDP Azerbaijan
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Story
06 March 2024
Aytan is one of the first women deminers in Azerbaijan within the UNDP project who discovered anti-personnel mine
“My name is Aytan, and I am one of the first women deminers in Azerbaijan”, says Aytan Ismayilova, a young woman originally from the Gazakh Region located in north-western part of Azerbaijan. Aytan is one of the eighteen newly trained women deminers that were accredited in November 2023 during a ceremony in Baku with participation of high-level officials from ANAMA, the European Union (EU), UNDP, and other officials. Thanks to theoretical and practical trainings conducted by the international experts of the Mine Advisory Group (MAG), the first teams of women deminers acquired the foundational knowledge, skills and required code of conduct to recognize, detect and mark mines and unexploded ordnance, and to provide first aid.“In the mornings, I clean my boots while everyone gets yourself in order. I have never had regrets; I am stubborn, and I love to go all the way. It means, I overcome every difficulty because I love my job.”When Aytan speaks, she is visibly proud of her work and the contribution she is providing to her country.“My family has always been working in the army. I wanted to follow in their footsteps, my father, and my brother, and even my grandparents. I lost my uncle during the war, my cousin sustained injuries in a mine explosion in Lachin. When I first heard that ANAMA was hiring women deminers, I told my family I wanted to apply for the job. My father supported me in this decision, others disagreed, and my mother did not want me to become a deminer because of the incident with my cousin. They thought I will quit it. When I was certified my mother shared that picture to express pride in me.”Thus, being an ecologist, Aytan started her trainings to become a deminer, she always tended to join the military as her family members. “At the beginning it was very difficult. I was excited but the work was hard. Thanks to the continuous trainings we receive, I feel more and more confident to do my job in the best way possible.” To the question about the relationship with her family now, Aytan replies: “They know I always look for new things to challenge myself, new projects to do. They understood my choice and they support me.”Aytan has a parasailing experience, as well. She is the second in the group who discovered an anti-personnel mine. Aytan is aware of the importance of this initiative, the first one in Azerbaijan. “I am thankful for this opportunity”, she says, “this is a glorious work, and I am proud to do it.” The two demining teams of 24 people, including 18 women deminers, 2 healthcare workers, 2 team leaders and 2 deputy team leaders were established within the framework of the “Supporting safe return of Internally Displaced People through capacity building of the Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA)” initiative funded by the EU and implemented by UNDP in partnership with ANAMA, the International Eurasian Press Fund (IEPF) and the MAG. Jeyhun Alakbarov, UNDP Azerbaijan
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Press Release
06 June 2024
UNDP and ANAMA signed the Statement of Intent on cooperation in establishment of the International Centre of Excellence and Training for Mine Action in Azerbaijan
Baku, May 30, 2024. Ms. Ivana Jivkovic, the UN Assistant Secretary-General, the UNDP Assistant Administrator and Regional Director for Europe and CIS, paid an official visit to Azerbaijan to participate at the 3rd International Conference on Mine Action jointly organized by UNDP and the Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA). During the conference under the topic such as “Mitigating environmental impact of landmines: Resource mobilization for safe and green future” the Statement of Intent between UNDP and ANAMA on cooperation in establishment of the ANAMA-UNDP International Centre of Excellence and Training for Mine Action in the territory of Azerbaijan was signed. Ms. Ivana Jivkovic highlighted the importance of resource mobilization as a catalyst for the collective mission to mitigate the environmental impact of landmines: “I am deeply inspired by the progress we have made in Mine Action thanks to the tireless efforts of many of you in this room. Your expertise, dedication, and courage have transformed countless lives and landscapes.” In the frame of the conference, a joint press briefing was arranged for media representatives. The conference brought together global leaders, experts, and stakeholders to collectively explore sustainable solutions, foster international collaboration, and discuss the ways of mobilizing financial resources for mitigating the environmental impact of landmine and UXO contamination. During the visit of the UNDP Regional Director, a series of meetings with a specific reference to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Mine Action and the COP29 Presidency of Azerbaijan was held with the national authorities. Ms. Jivkovic met with Mr. Hikmet Hajiyev, the Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Head of the Department of Foreign Policy Affairs of the Presidential Administration. A very productive meeting was arranged with H.E. Ambassador Mr. Elchin Amirbayov, the Representative of the President on special assignments.
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Press Release
20 May 2024
Empowering financial service providers in Azerbaijan to address financial needs of migrants
Between 7 and 10 May, IOM Azerbaijan organized a series of capacity-building trainings for over 50 customer service specialists representing bank branches and post offices that serve migrants the most. The event was held at the Regional Training Centre on Migration within the “Enhancing the Socioeconomic Benefits of Remittances in Azerbaijan” project, implemented in cooperation with the State Migration Service and with funding by the IOM Development Fund. An estimated 1 million Azerbaijani nationals live abroad, and 100 thousand migrants reside in Azerbaijan, all of whom use various financial services, including sending and receiving financial remittances. Even though the assessment, conducted in 2023, concluded that remittance cost in Azerbaijan is already below 3%, as aimed by SDG 10.c, and financial inclusion of migrants in the country is high, still there is a room for improvement in terms of better addressing migrants’ financial needs. Hence, in line with the roadmap approved by project’s Working Group, six major banks in Azerbaijan (AFB Bank, Xalq Bank, Rabitabank, ABB, Kapital Bank and Bank Respublika) and Azerpost (national postal service) were invited to one-day trainings, the aim of which was to foster a customer service that is more aware of and can better address the specific needs of migrants and persons in vulnerable situations. The event was opened by Mr. Amr Taha, IOM Chief of Mission a.i. in Azerbaijan and Mr. Vahid Gahramanov, Chief of Head Department of the State Migration Service. The training focused on rights of migrants – including refugees and asylum seeker; their access to financial services with the different identification cards provided to foreign residents in Azerbaijan; and digital authentication of documents. Furthermore, the financial service providers were trained in customer due diligence and know your customer rules; understanding migrants’ financial needs; inter-cultural competences and understanding of persons in vulnerable situations. The Director of “INNOLAND” Incubation and Acceleration Center, Mr. Nijat Amiraslanov moderated a competition during which participants, divided into groups, came up with innovative solutions to address the financial needs of migrants. Participants proposed creative and innovative ideas on seamless integration of government and bank portals, cashback cards and discounted products to migrants and nationals, offering multilingual services, and more. The training was well received and in the words of a participant, “This training enabled us to understand better the financial needs of an important segment of Azerbaijani society – migrants. We are enthusiastic that our bank is continually improving the services we offer to make their stay in Azerbaijan as comfortable as possible.” Studies have demonstrated that every additional 1% of immigration could boost GDP growth in destination countries by 2%. As Azerbaijan’s economic growth continues, and as it also expands in different sectors, the role of migrants will continue to grow – just as Azerbaijani emigrants contribute to economic development across the world. The value of this training is that it is a two-way learning between the private sector and the government, which aligns with the whole-of-society approach principle of Global Compact for Migration calling for broad multi-stakeholder partnerships to address migration in all its dimensions. This training supports SDG 10 on Reduced Inequalities and GCM objective 20 to promote faster, safer and cheaper transfer of remittances and foster financial inclusion of migrants.
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Press Release
17 May 2024
Scaling up climate action in agrifood / FAO, countries, and partners prepare for UNFCCC COP29
©FAO/Alessia Pierdomenico 16 May 2024, Rome – A high-level panel discussion at the 34th Session of the FAO Regional Conference for Europe (ERC34) addressed the urgent need for scaled-up climate action in Europe and Central Asia's agrifood systems. The discussion, titled "Climate Action in Agrifood Systems in Europe and Central Asia: Bridging and Aligning National and Regional Priorities and Global Commitments in the Context of UNFCCC COP29" highlighted the region's vulnerability to climate change and the importance of a coordinated approach ahead of the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP29). Climate change impacts agrifood systems worldwide, with the region of Europe and Central Asia being no exception. It leads to reduced agricultural productivity and disrupts food value chains, posing a significant threat to food security across the region. Adaptation and climate change mitigation are essential to ensuring that agrifood systems provide food and nutrition security for all. FAO, jointly with the member countries and the regional and national partners, responds to the worldwide challenge of tackling the impacts of the climate crisis. Aligned with country priorities, the FAO Strategy on Climate Change 2022–2031 supports climate action in agrifood systems. Raimund Jehle, FAO Regional Programme Leader for Europe and Central Asia, highlighted the development of a regional framework for Europe and Central Asia for applying the FAO Strategy on Climate Change and collaboration with Azerbaijan to integrate agrifood systems as part of UNFCCC COP29. UNFCCC COP29: A platform for action The UNFCCC COP29, scheduled for November 11-22, 2024, in Baku, presents an opportunity to highlight national and regional priorities in climate action and focus on the transformative potential of agriculture in the context of climate change. Ilhama Gadimova, Deputy Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and a member of the Organizing Committee of the UNFCCC COP29, emphasized the country's commitment to leading discussions on the role of sustainable agrifood systems in climate action. She stressed the need for global unity and decisive action to address this pressing issue. “We aspire to see the world's leaders prioritize environmental sustainability and focus collaboratively on this pressing global issue during the conference”, said Ms Gadimova. Nino Tandilashvili, First Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia recognised the power of a combined approach to climate change and agriculture. Ms Tandilashvili emphasized that integrating "agrifood system solutions" into national plans like Nationally Determined Contributions, National Adaptation Plans, and long-term emissions reduction strategies is crucial for effectively tackling climate change. This focus on unified action is reflected in the government's policies and interventions. A key priority at UNFCCC COP29 will be securing climate finance, particularly for adaptation and emissions reduction within agrifood systems. Deputy Minister Gadimova, Herwig Ranner, Team Leader, Directorate General for Agriculture at the EU Commission, and Luisa Rölke, Head of Division Climate Change and Water at Germany's Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, all highlighted the importance of climate finance and initiatives like the Food and Agriculture for Sustainable Transformation (FAST) Partnership in supporting capacity building and ensuring high-quality investments. Julia Wolf, Natural Resources Officer at the FAO’s Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment echoed this sentiment. “Investing in agrifood systems is a key solution to climate change. Without increased investments, we run the risk of falling short of the targets set by the Paris Agreement and compromising our food security objectives. This is our key message we will advocate for.” Luisa Volpe, Advocacy, Policy and Partnerships Practice Leader at the World Farmers’ Organisation (WFO emphasized that transforming agrifood systems should prioritize the well-being of farmers, as they are not only affected by climate change, but are integral to the solution. Fostering regional collaboration for climate action Highlighting the importance of regional collaboration for effective climate action, Ibrokhim Abdurakhmonov, Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Uzbekistan, emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to align national and regional climate action priorities. Uzbekistan demonstrates its proactive approach to facilitating regional collaboration through the Central Asian Climate Dialogue. Vladimir Grebnev, Regional Climate Change Specialist at the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Program (CAREC) emphasized CAREC's support to member countries in aligning national and regional priorities, particularly in view of revising Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Building on past progress The 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), which was hosted by the United Arab Emirates, in Dubai, in December 2023, achieved significant milestones. Agrifood systems took centre stage, with several important achievements, such as the COP28 UAE Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems and Climate Action, endorsed by 159 countries. UNFCCC COP29 offers an opportunity to build upon this progress and advance climate action in Europe, Central Asia, and globally. All speakers underscored the urgency of implementing the Emirates Declaration and expressed optimism that UNFCCC COP29 will serve as a springboard for critical progress. RELEVANT LINKS: FAO Strategy on Climate Change 2022 – 2031https://openknowledge.fao.org/items/7b9bf435-b12b-4abf-94c0-4806d3b97109 Collective challenges require collective solutions FASThttps://www.fao.org/climate-change/news/news-detail/collective-challenges-require-collective-solutions-fast/en MEDIA CONTACT: Oksana SapigaCommunications SpecialistFAO in Europe and Central Asiaoksana.sapiga@fao.org
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Press Release
17 May 2024
THE SECRETARY-GENERAL'S MESSAGE FOR THE INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA, BIPHOBIA, AND TRANSPHOBIA
17 May 2024On this International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, I applaud the brave work of LGBTIQ+ human rights defenders fighting to outlaw discrimination and secureequality before the law.
Yet there is a worrying surge in the opposite direction. New laws are codifying old bigotries, exploiting fears and stoking hate.
The theme of this year’s Day – “No one left behind: equality, freedom and justice for all” – reminds us of our obligations to respect the human rights and dignity of every person. We need action around the world to make those rights a reality. The criminalisation of same-sex relationships must end, so must all violence, discrimination and harmful practices against LGBTIQ+ communities. On this and every day, let’s commit to building a world of respect, dignity and human rights for all around the world.
Yet there is a worrying surge in the opposite direction. New laws are codifying old bigotries, exploiting fears and stoking hate.
The theme of this year’s Day – “No one left behind: equality, freedom and justice for all” – reminds us of our obligations to respect the human rights and dignity of every person. We need action around the world to make those rights a reality. The criminalisation of same-sex relationships must end, so must all violence, discrimination and harmful practices against LGBTIQ+ communities. On this and every day, let’s commit to building a world of respect, dignity and human rights for all around the world.
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Press Release
14 May 2024
UN Azerbaijan and PASHA Holding collaborate for “29 Climate Conversations: The Road to COP29” Program
The recent event in the "29 Climate Conversations: The Road to COP29" series, held in collaboration with UN Azerbaijan and PASHA Holding, focused on the theme "Overview of the UN Climate Change Conference: Private Sector Perspectives."
PASHA Holding, one of the leading companies in the country, demonstrated its commitment to raising awareness about the UN Climate Change Conference and the role of private sector in climate action and just transition.This event, the fourth in the series and the first jointly organized with PASHA Holding, took place on May 10 with participation of over 200 employees of PASHA Group companies.During the event, Teymur Huseynov, Chief Strategy Officer of Pasha Holding, Elnur Soltanov, the Chief Executive Officer of COP29 Azerbaijan, and Vladanka Andreeva, the Resident Coordinator of the UN in Azerbaijan, presented opening speeches. Distinguished speakers, including Ms. Cecilia Njenga, Director of Intergovernmental Support and Collective Progress Division at UNFCCC, Mr. Fernando Castellanos, Head of Environment and Climate at UN Global Compact and Founder of Sustainera Solutions Ilkin Hajiyev delivered insightful presentations.At the event, staff members were also provided with the chance to contribute to environmental initiatives presently undertaken by the Karabakh Revival Fund.
Vladanka Andreeva, Resident Coordinator of the UN in Azerbaijan, highlighted the significance of the partnership with PASHA Holding, stating, "The private sector is one of the critical actors for climate action, and we are pleased to partner with Pasha Holding on this important priority, not only for the country but also for the world.""Considering the relevance of the climate issue, we wanted to create an opportunity for our stakeholders to increase awareness of both the COP and climate challenges in general. Thus, as soon as we heard about the "29 Climate Conversations" initiative by United Nations in Azerbaijan, we expressed our intention to join this initiative. A total of 29 events will be held by the UN in Azerbaijan as part of the initiative, and 4 of these events will be held in partnership with PASHA Holding. Today, we are holding the first of these events, and we wanted to start the discussions with our employees first," said Teymur Huseynov.
The "29 Climate Conversations: Road to COP29" program aims to foster collaborative action and dialogue across different sectors to combat the global climate crisis. In the next events of this series, which will be organized with the support of PASHA Holding, the participation of local and international media representatives, clients, partners, and non-governmental organizations as well as experts from various UN agencies on the subject are planned.
PASHA Holding, one of the leading companies in the country, demonstrated its commitment to raising awareness about the UN Climate Change Conference and the role of private sector in climate action and just transition.This event, the fourth in the series and the first jointly organized with PASHA Holding, took place on May 10 with participation of over 200 employees of PASHA Group companies.During the event, Teymur Huseynov, Chief Strategy Officer of Pasha Holding, Elnur Soltanov, the Chief Executive Officer of COP29 Azerbaijan, and Vladanka Andreeva, the Resident Coordinator of the UN in Azerbaijan, presented opening speeches. Distinguished speakers, including Ms. Cecilia Njenga, Director of Intergovernmental Support and Collective Progress Division at UNFCCC, Mr. Fernando Castellanos, Head of Environment and Climate at UN Global Compact and Founder of Sustainera Solutions Ilkin Hajiyev delivered insightful presentations.At the event, staff members were also provided with the chance to contribute to environmental initiatives presently undertaken by the Karabakh Revival Fund.
Vladanka Andreeva, Resident Coordinator of the UN in Azerbaijan, highlighted the significance of the partnership with PASHA Holding, stating, "The private sector is one of the critical actors for climate action, and we are pleased to partner with Pasha Holding on this important priority, not only for the country but also for the world.""Considering the relevance of the climate issue, we wanted to create an opportunity for our stakeholders to increase awareness of both the COP and climate challenges in general. Thus, as soon as we heard about the "29 Climate Conversations" initiative by United Nations in Azerbaijan, we expressed our intention to join this initiative. A total of 29 events will be held by the UN in Azerbaijan as part of the initiative, and 4 of these events will be held in partnership with PASHA Holding. Today, we are holding the first of these events, and we wanted to start the discussions with our employees first," said Teymur Huseynov.
The "29 Climate Conversations: Road to COP29" program aims to foster collaborative action and dialogue across different sectors to combat the global climate crisis. In the next events of this series, which will be organized with the support of PASHA Holding, the participation of local and international media representatives, clients, partners, and non-governmental organizations as well as experts from various UN agencies on the subject are planned.
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