United Nations 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.

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Publication

18 June 2025

Azerbaijan Annual Results Report 2024

In 2024, the United Nations in Azerbaijan, in close collaboration with the Government, development partners, and civil society, continued its efforts to support inclusive, sustainable, and resilient development across the country. Guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2021–2025, our work focused on strengthening institutions, empowering communities, and ensuring no one is left behind.

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Little girl in a uniform smiling sitting on the desk.

Publication

01 December 2024

UN in Azerbaijan Newsletter

Climate & Sustainability UpdatesClimate & Sustainability NEWSLETTER #3 In November, Azerbaijan hosted COP29, which brought together leaders and negotiators from around the world to discuss and agree on actions to address the climate crisis. Beyond the formal negotiations, COP29 featured numerous side events and dialogues, fostering collaboration and strengthening partnerships for global, collective and inclusive climate action.During COP29 in Baku, the United Nations Country Team in Azerbaijan had the privilege of meeting the UN Secretary-General António Guterres. The Secretary-General reaffirmed his trust in the UN Azerbaijan’s role in supporting the country’s progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). His message highlighted the shared commitment to ensuring no one is left behind on the path to sustainable development. ON THE ROAD TO COP29 The "29 Climate Conversations: The Road to COP29" series, spearheaded by the United Nations in Azerbaijan, continues to serve as a powerful catalyst for climate dialogue and action as the country prepares to host COP29 this November. Over the past months, the series has featured impactful events that delve into vital intersections of climate action, from digital innovation and just transition to reproductive health and green finance. Each conversation has convened a wide array of stakeholders - government representatives, international organizations, civil society, and private sector leaders to foster collaborative, innovative approaches for a sustainable future. 27th Climate Conversation: “Green Business and Eco-Leadership Development Programme for Women Entrepreneurs”, November 4-5The "Green Business and Eco-Leadership Development Program for Women Entrepreneurs," part of the “29 Climate Conversations: The Road to COP29” initiative, organized by Gender Hub, concluded in Lankaran with the support of Trendyol and the UN Office in Azerbaijan. The program brought together 35 women from across Azerbaijan, offering training on eco-friendly entrepreneurship, sustainable business practices, and climate action.28th Climate Conversation: “Dialogue between ASG for Youth Affairs & Young People of Azerbaijan on Climate Action”, November 9Youth Climate Envoys, as part of a joint initiative by UNICEF Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, and members of the UN Youth Advisory Council met with Felipe Pallier, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs and Vladanka Andreeva, UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan. During the meeting, the young people exchange with ASG Pallier on their role in taking forward the Pact for the Future and Declaration on Future Generations through climate action in Azerbaijan. Key Events at COP29: Driving Global Climate Action and Sustainable DevelopmentAt COP29, the UN Azerbaijan Pavilion served as a dynamic platform to showcase our nation's dedication to climate action and sustainability. Designed to foster meaningful conversations and inspire innovative solutions, the pavilion highlighted Azerbaijan’s efforts to align with global environmental goals while addressing local challenges. Climate Dialogues at the UN Azerbaijan Pavilion – COP29 HighlightsOne of the key features of our pavilion was the 4 Climate Dialogues, a series of high-level interviews with distinguished experts and leaders, emphasizing critical climate-related topics. These dialogues provided unique insights into strategies for sustainable development and highlighted actionable steps for fostering resilience in Azerbaijan and beyond.Azerbaijan Signs the Declaration on Children, Youth, and Climate Action, November 11At the opening of COP29, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Mukhtar Babayev, signed the Declaration on Children, Youth, and Climate Action, committing to center children in climate policy. The ceremony was attended by UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell, Youth Climate Champion Leyla Hasanova, and other high-level officials.Read more Refugee Volunteer Advocates Renewable Energy at COP29, November 12Brief Information: On November 12, Mahdi, an Afghan refugee, a DAFI scholar, and a volunteer at COP29, presenting his solar power project to UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi. He highlighted the potential of renewable energy in addressing climate challenges.Read more Refugee Voices Amplified at COP29 Summit, November 14On November 14, refugee climate activists at COP29 urged leaders to address the gaps in climate financing for displaced communities. UNHCR launched the Refugees for Climate Action network and signed a historic agreement with the Green Climate Fund.Read more COP Simulation Side Event, November 14The “COP Simulation: Shaping Outcomes” side event, held at the UNDP pavilion during COP29, showcased a series of climate solutions proposed by participants based on their research. These solutions focused on key topics of the COP29 Simulation Declaration, including mitigation and the role of technology in enhancing climate resilience.Read more Side Event on Youth and Climate Action, November 14, 2024UNFPA Azerbaijan organized a side event focused on youth involvement in climate action at COP29. The event highlighted the need for empowering young people to lead climate solutions and engage in decision-making processes.Read more Mine Action Side Event, November 16, 2024On November 16, UNDP and ANAMA organized the “Clearing a Path: Mine Action for Climate Resilience and Sustainable Development” side event at COP29. The session highlighted the critical impact of landmines on natural resources, explored eco-friendly demining practices, and discussed the integration of technological innovations and nature-based solutions to rehabilitate mine-affected landscapes while preserving biodiversity.Read more Empowering Women for Climate Action, November 16, 2024Empowering Women for Climate Action, November 16, 2024 On November 16, UNFPA Azerbaijan hosted a session that emphasized the role of women in climate action. The event brought together women leaders to discuss gender equality, sustainable practices, and how women’s leadership can drive climate resilience.Read more UNICEF Child and Youth Climate Advocates at COP29, November 18Seven child and youth climate advocates from across the globe held a press conference at COP29, calling for children's needs and rights to be included in climate policy. They shared personal stories of how climate change impacts their communities and urged for immediate global action.Read more Climate Adaptation for Vulnerable Populations, November 18, 2024UNFPA Azerbaijan held a session addressing the climate adaptation needs of vulnerable populations, focusing on the intersection of gender, health, and climate change. The discussion underscored the importance of inclusive and equitable solutions to climate impacts.Read more Promoting Youth Leadership in Climate Resilience, November 19, 2024UNFPA Azerbaijan hosted an event to showcase the leadership of young people in advancing climate resilience. Youth leaders shared their experiences and innovations, emphasizing the importance of youth-driven climate solutions.Read more Panel Discussion on “Women’s Perspectives on the Climate-Water Nexus and Human Mobility” at UNCT Pavilion, COP29, November 19On Water Day at COP29, UN Women ECA, the COP29 Presidency, and IOM hosted a panel discussing the critical link between climate, water, and human mobility. The event highlighted the urgent need for gender-responsive policies to address water stress, which currently affects 380 million women and girls.Read more Visions of a Brighter Future Exhibition, November 20Unicef Azerbaijan, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, organized the “Listen to the Future” exhibition to mark World Children’s Day. The exhibition showcased hopes and climate-related ideas of children from over 20 countries in the region.Read more Listen to the Future Discussion with Youth Climate Champion, November 20A dynamic discussion took place with UN Resident Coordinator Vladanka Andreeva, UNICEF Representative Saja Farooq Abdullah, and Youth Climate Champion Leyla Hasanova. Youth climate envoys shared their perspectives on how COP29 inspired new ideas and connections for a sustainable future.Read more World Children’s Day, November 20UNICEF Azerbaijan marked World Children’s Day with multiple events, including the "Visions of a Brighter Future" exhibition, "The Kids Takeover," and the "Listen to the Future" discussion. In a symbolic act, Baku’s iconic Flame Towers were lit in blue, joining the global Light Up Blue campaign.Read more Joint Event at COP29 Health Pavilion, November 20WHO, IOM, UNHCR, and IFRC hosted an event at the Health Pavilion in COP29's Blue Zone, addressing the intersection of climate change, health, and displacement. The session highlighted strategies for protecting vulnerable communities and fostering global collaboration.Read more Gender Equality and Climate Action, November 20, 2024UNFPA Azerbaijan facilitated a discussion on the critical link between gender equality and climate action. The event explored how women and girls can play a key role in shaping climate policies and ensuring sustainable development.Read more Refugee Volunteer Drives Inclusivity at COP29, November 21Afghan refugee Mujtaba, a DAFI scholar supported by UNHCR, volunteered at COP29, assisting guests and promoting inclusivity. His efforts highlighted the crucial role refugees play in advancing global climate action and showcased Azerbaijan's commitment to hosting impactful environmental events.Read more Sustainability in Action: COP29 Quiz Challenge Side Event, November 21UNDP Azerbaijan hosted an event aimed to engage participants in exploring environmental and climate-related practices through a fun, dynamic quiz format. The quiz encouraged awareness, tested knowledge, and promoted action towards climate resilience, with top performers receiving e-readers as prizes.Read more Smart Cities and Urban Planning Innovation for Resilience Side Event, November 21As part of COP29, the “Smart Cities and Urban Planning Innovation for Resilience” side event, organized by UNDP Azerbaijan, explored the transformative role of technologies like satellite imagery and drones in modern urban planning. The session focused on how these innovations can help cities adapt to climate change and enhance climate resilience.Read more Empowering Climate Resilience through NAPs Side Event, November 21On November 21, the “Empowering Climate Resilience through NAPs” side event took place, organized by UNDP in collaboration with the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan. The panel, moderated by UNDP discussed the successes and challenges of advancing National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), with experts from Azerbaijan, Türkiye, the Green Climate Fund, IOM, and UNFCCC.Read more Women Leading the Way Side Event, November 22On November 22, COP29 saw the “Women Leading the Way” side event, which focused on the critical role women play in driving climate action. The event highlighted the importance of gender equality in advancing climate resilience and sustainability.Read more Seminar on Social Protection of Populations in Crisis Situations, November 25UNICEF, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, hosted a seminar on strengthening social protection systems during crises. The seminar brought together government officials and local authorities to discuss resilience and sustainability strategies in Azerbaijan.Read more Capacity Building for Climate Adaptation Pre-COP Event: Empowering Youth for Inclusive Climate Action, November 2, 2024On November 2, UNHCR Azerbaijan, ADA University, and himate.az held an info session aimed at empowering refugees and IDP youth with job market skills. The event focused on advancing SDG 8 and fostering inclusivity in climate action.Read more Sub-regional Technical Workshop on Assistive Technologies, November 28–29The WHO, in collaboration with national stakeholders and supported by ATscale, hosted a two-day workshop in Baku to improve the quality and accessibility of assistive technologies in Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Tajikistan. Over 30 participants, including government officials and experts, focused on developing product specifications, ensuring compliance with international standards, and conducting quality inspections. www.azerbaijan.un.org
We hope you enjoyed the second edition of the UN Azerbaijan Newsletter! Feel free to share and invite others to subscribe. To unsubscribe, email us, and we will respect your request rcs-unrcoazerbaijan@un.org| December 2024 |

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Press Release

31 October 2024

UN Azerbaijan Celebrates UN Day with the 5th SDG Dialogue: “Future Echoes: Bridging Paths for Climate Action and Global Goals”

The event brought together representatives from the Government, UN Azerbaijan, civil society, private sector, development partners and the diplomatic community to explore Azerbaijan’s path to a sustainable and climate-resilient future. Ahead of the 29th UN Climate Change Conference in Baku in November, the Dialogue focused on scaling up climate finance to enable the successful implementation of Azerbaijan’s national climate action plan and advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Part of the UN’s ongoing SDG Dialogue series that was launched in 2022, the event provided a platform for high-level dialogue and knowledge exchange on opportunities to maximize the development co-benefits of climate finance. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chief Negotiator for COP29, Yalchin Rafiyev, spoke about Azerbaijan's multilateral relations with international organizations, including the UN, and the importance of the UN's multifaceted global mission. Ms. Vladanka Andreeva, UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan, highlighted the critical importance of multilateralism and partnerships to tackle global challenges: “With the window of opportunity quickly closing to reach net-zero by 2050 and keep warming under 1.5°C, the upcoming COP29 will be a pivotal moment for the climate agenda and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Together with all partners, and in support of the Government, we will scale-up our support for Azerbaijan’s climate ambition.”Deputy Minister of Economy Samad Bashirli emphasized that effective measures are being taken in Azerbaijan to address climate change and its negative impacts, with purposeful actions being implemented toward a green transition. It was noted that hosting COP29, a prestigious UN event, entrusted to our country, is another indication of international trust in Azerbaijan and opens a new chapter in our cooperation with the UN. Today's event will also contribute to discussions within the framework of COP29.The two keynote presentations outlined Azerbaijan’s climate ambition as articulated in the new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0) and the Long-Term Climate Strategy. The first was delivered by Mr. Elnur Soltanov, Deputy Minister of Energy and COP29 Chief Executive Officer, titled “Main Features of Azerbaijan’s Nationally Determined Contributions and Development Co-Benefits of the Long-Term Climate Strategy”; and the second was delivered by Mr. Vugar Karimov, Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, titled “Azerbaijan’s long term climate strategy on combatting climate change.” Following this, a high-level panel, “Scaling up Climate Action in Azerbaijan,” delved into the pathways and partnerships needed to deliver Azerbaijan’s national climate action plan and achieve sustainable development.As the final countdown to COP29 starts, this SDG Dialogue reinforced Azerbaijan’s strong commitment to both climate action and sustainable development. Discussions with stakeholders highlighted the importance of scalable financing solutions and collaborative engagement across sectors. Key recommendations from the Dialogue will inform the implementation of Azerbaijan’s national climate action plan.

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Press Release

29 October 2024

Event on “Climate Change and Forced Displacement” held in Baku ahead of COP29

The event brought together representatives from academia, government authorities, international organizations, and the legal practitioners community.The main objective of the event was to highlight the connection between climate change and forced displacement and to discuss how the global climate crisis disproportionately impacts people who are forced to leave their countries due to climate change, as well as stateless people. Participants engaged in discussions about the challenges and solutions regarding climate-induced displacement, ahead of the upcoming COP29 conference.Opening remarks were delivered by the Head of the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office Ms. Kanako Mabuchi, UNHCR Protection Officer Mr. Ivan Charnetski, Acting Executive Director of the Azerbaijan Youth Foundation Mr. Gadir Khalilov, and Dean of the Law Faculty at BSU Mr. Zaur Aliyev. The following presentations were delivered: “The Principle of Climate Justice” by Dr. Turgay Huseynov from Law Faculty of BSU, “Climate Change and Migration Issues: Challenges and Fair Solutions” by Mr. Fuad Humbatov from the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, “Sustainable Solutions for Forced Displacement” by Ms. Gular Fatali from the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office and “Impact of Climate Change on Forcibly Displaced and Stateless People” by Ms. Aydan Seyidova from UNHCR Azerbaijan.Representatives of refugee youth club, initiative supported by UNHCR, presented adaptation tools identified by the displaced people themselves in response to climate change.The event concluded with the award ceremony of the winners of the essay competition on “Climate Change and Forced Displacement.” The competition, jointly organized by BSU and UNHCR, encouraged students to submit essays exploring the challenges and potential solutions related to the topic of climate change and forced displacement. Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources and UN Resident Coordinator’s Office were part of the jury together with BSU and UNHCR, the jury members assessed more the 40 works submitted by the contestants. This event was part of a broader series of initiatives leading up to COP29, which will be held in Baku from 11th to 22nd November 2024, and highlighted the importance of discussions on inclusive and sustainable solutions for the forcibly displaced people most affected by climate change.

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Story

28 July 2025

Azerbaijan Annual Results Report 2024

From inclusive climate action to mine clearance, education, and social services, 2024 marked a transformative journey towards the SDGs. Discover how the United Nations in Azerbaijan, in partnership with the government and partners, helped build a more resilient, sustainable future. bit.ly/UNAz

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28 November 2024

COP29 and UN Azerbaijan: a Joint Commitment to Climate Action

In November 2024, Azerbaijan hosted COP29, convening global leaders and negotiators to advance climate action.
Beyond formal negotiations, COP29 featured side events and dialogues, fostering collaboration and strengthening partnerships for inclusive and sustainable
solutions.
• Following the COP29 presidency’s request for coordinated UN support, the Global UN COP29 Task Force was activated by the Deputy Secretary-General
and co-chaired by the Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Climate Action and Just Transition and the UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan. Consisting of around 25 UN entities, the Task Force provided substantive support for 12 (out of 14) Presidency Initiatives launched during COP29. The Task Force has been hailed as a good practice of inter-agency collaboration in support of host governments of large-scale international conferences.
• As an integral part of the UN Azerbaijan COP29 Engagement Strategy, the UN organized the climate conversations series 29 Climate Conversations on
the Road to COP29 in Baku and some regions, in partnership with the COP29 presidency, the government, the private sector, civil society, young people, development partners, academia, the media and others, to raise awareness of climate change and mobilize climate action across the country. Addressing topics such as digital innovation, just transition, reproductive health, and green finance, the series brought together government representatives, international organizations, civil society, and private sector leaders to drive actionable solutions.
• Designed to inspire meaningful discussions and solutions, the UN Azerbaijan Pavilion at COP29 hosted around 25 events to explore the effects of climate change on women, children, refugees, migrants, and other vulnerable groups. Distinguished speakers engaged with participants, particularly youth, in insightful discussions on climate leadership.
• A key feature of the pavilion was the Four Climate Dialogues, a series of high-level interviews with experts and leaders on critical climate issues. These discussions provided insights into sustainable development strategies and actionable resilience measures for Azerbaijan and beyond. In addition, the Climate Impact and World Children’s Day photo exhibitions were held.
• At COP29, Azerbaijan launched several key initiatives with UN support to advance climate action and sustainable development, including the Baku
The Harmony Climate Initiative for Farmers aims to strengthen climate change adaptation in agriculture, food systems, and water management. Multisectoral
Action Pathways (MAP) to Resilient and Healthy Cities, endorsed by 45 governments, provides a framework for integrating climate resilience, public
health, and urban sustainability into national policies. The launch of the National Strategy for 2025–2030 on the Prevention and Control of Zoonotic Diseases reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s commitment to global health security and climate resilience. In parallel, the Environmental Performance Review was presented, engaging
stakeholders in aligning environmental and economic goals, and assessing compliance with international environmental commitments.
• Azerbaijan has also signed the Declaration on Children, Youth and Climate Action, committing to put children at the centre of climate policy. The Government also joined the Global Children’s Environmental Health Collaborative, making the country the ninth globally to join the initiative, established to prioritize children’s environmental health needs in local and international platforms.

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27 August 2024

When a woman deminer talks…

“Certain events caused my husband and me part our ways. prompting me to move with children to my mother's place. Right now, it is just me and my five-year-old daughter, Nilufar, living together. She is at her preschool studies, while my fourteen-year-old son, Mammad, is away at high school. We are currently staying in an IDP settlement. We hope that once the land is safe again after the mines are cleared, we can return to our homeland.”Narmin is a deminer, dedicating her days to the crucial task of clearing our precious earth from mine contamination. She needed a job, so when she came across an online job opening for recruitment of women deminers she felt compelled to apply. Despite knowing it is a tough job, Narmin believed she could handle it. While the decision to apply was not hard for Narmin, her mother worried about the choice. “After submitting my application and passing the exam, I felt relieved and grateful to be chosen for the position. Joining this project has made me feel like I am part of something truly meaningful. Luckily, I was the first among our group of women deminers to discover a mine. It filled me with an immense sense of pride and shifted the way people treated me, and those around me started to express their pride in my achievement though initially, my decision to pursue this challenging profession was not welcomed by my mother and relatives.”Their primary goal is to locate landmines and other dangerous items buried beneath the ground and then safely hand them over to the explosive ordnance disposal team. As a team of women deminers, they are deeply involved in the effort to clear areas contaminated by mines, actively contributing to this vital work. “This is my first job, a significant milestone for me. Getting my very first paycheck as a deminer, helped finding a way to support my family's needs. It's been a year now since I joined the project, and over this time, I have seen how my earnings have made a real difference. With careful saving and hard work, I was able to buy a car. It made our daily routines smoother, lightening the load of family responsibilities and giving us a newfound sense of ease and freedom.”Narmin is a mother. She came on a call of her motherland. She came to release it from foreign objects, to restore its purity, and to help it flourish again!

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31 May 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.

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Press Release

31 January 2025

Strategic priorities for the future cooperation between Azerbaijan and the UN discussed

With participation of over 150 representatives from the Government, UN Country Team, civil society, youth, academia, private sector, development partners and others, the participants had an interactive dialogue on the areas where the UN is best placed to contribute, in support of Azerbaijan’s national development priorities and accelerated progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).The workshop opened with remarks from H.E. Mr. Samad Bashirli, Deputy Minister of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, H.E. Mr. Yalchin Rafiyev, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Vladanka Andreeva, UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan.Emphasizing Azerbaijan’s strong commitment to the SDGs, Mr. Bashirli stated that the country maintains close cooperation with the UN and actively supports global initiatives, with Azerbaijan’s hosting of COP29 bringing the relationship to a new level.Noting the country’s readiness to cooperate for the successful implementation of the new Cooperation Framework, Mr. Rafiyev emphasized the importance of advancing the National SDG 18 on Mine Action for Azerbaijan’s sustainable development.Appreciating the close collaboration and strong partnership with the Government and different stakeholders under the current Cooperation Framework (2021-2025) and in the context of COP29, Andreeva said: “The UN Country Team is here to support the Government and its people in Azerbaijan’s journey towards sustainable development. The strategic priority areas that we will discuss today are not separate priorities for the UN but the UN’s contribution for Azerbaijan to achieve the SDGs, including National SDG 18 on Mine Action.” The full-day workshop concluded with a broad consensus on the strategic priority areas of cooperation, in support of Azerbaijan’s national development priorities and progress towards the SDGs through the collective promise to leave no one behind.

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Press Release

16 December 2024

IOM Azerbaijan Supports the Sustainable Reintegration of Voluntary Returnees

During January-October 2024, IOM Azerbaijan facilitated reintegration of 295 individuals returning from various European countries and supported them in establishing small businesses, and addressing temporary housing, education or medical needs. Since 2018, IOM has facilitated the safe and dignified return of over 5,400 individuals to Azerbaijan and provided reintegration support to more than 3,400 returnees, mainly from Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Finland and Switzerland through AVRR. These initiatives align with IOM’s global efforts to promote safe, orderly, and dignified migration while ensuring the human rights of migrants are upheld. Since 1979, IOM has supported the return and reintegration of over 1.6 million people worldwide in collaboration with governments, international organizations, and non-governmental stakeholders.IOM’s reintegration assistance directly contributes to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly target 10.7, which focuses on facilitating safe and responsible migration. It also supports other related targets, including 10.2, 17.9, and 17.17.The AVRR programme also align with the objectives of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, particularly Objective 21, which emphasizes cooperation in facilitating safe and dignified return and sustainable reintegration. Other objectives, including 1 (data collection), 3 (provision of information), 4 (legal pathways), 7 (reducing vulnerabilities), 12 (screening and referral), and 13 (migration in disaster contexts), are also supported through IOM’s broader commitment to enhancing migration governance.IOM remains a committed partner to the government of Azerbaijan in achieving these goals.

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Press Release

18 November 2024

UNDP and ANAMA held a Side Event on Mine Action and Environmental Sustainability within COP29

The purpose of the event is to draw attention to the landmine challenge faced by Azerbaijan, highlight the impact of landmine hazards on natural resources, explore environmentally friendly demining practices, and promote sustainable approaches in the field of humanitarian demining.In his opening remarks, the board chairperson of ANAMA Vugar Suleymanov noted: “In the Republic of Azerbaijan, the ecological toll from nearly 1.5 million landmines planted across the liberated territories has been devastating. When detonated mines spill pollutants, introducing heavy metals and other toxins into the soil and air. This chemical contamination poses long-term risks to environmental damage. Demining is not just about safety, it is a cornerstone for climate resilience and sustainable development”. “Through our joint efforts, UNDP and ANAMA have made significant strides in ensuring safer environments for communities while supporting long-term recovery and resilience. This partnership not only focuses on clearing contaminated land but also emphasizes supporting local capacity building, community engagement, and sustainable development”, the UN Assistant Secretary-General, UNDP Assistant Administrator and Director of the Regional Bureau for Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States Ivana Zivkovic said in her speech.Panel discussions during the side event covered topics such as the impact of landmines on ecosystems, biodiversity, and natural resources, as well as efforts to conduct mine clearance with minimal environmental impact, and the use of innovative technologies in this area.This side event within COP29 not only highlighted new approaches for integrating environmental sustainability with mine action but also underscored the humanitarian and ecological importance of demining operations. The discussions, organised by ANAMA and UNDP, reaffirmed the significance of mine clearance for the protection of natural resources and the restoration of biodiversity. This event, aligning with the main themes of COP29, marked an important step towards a safer and more sustainable environment for the future.

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Where we work: The UN’s programmatic interventions

The UN is implementing 0 programmatic interventions during the ongoing programme cycle. The map below displays the number of programmatic interventions per location (note that a programmatic intervention may be linked to more than one location). Click on the number on the map to get a summary description of the programmatic interventions. Programmatic interventions may be linked to the national level or specific locations/sub-national level. Note that some interventions linked to specific locations might also have components at the national level, even if they are not categorized as country-level interventions. Click on “Show location details” in the bottom right corner to view a summary table with locations, the number of programmatic interventions, and the UN entities working in those locations. For definitions of programmatic interventions, please refer to the Glossary section.

Year