UN Day and UNSDCF Signing Ceremony

• Your Excellency Mr. Jeyhun Bayramov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan
• Your Excellency Mr. Mikayil Jabbarov, Minister of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan
• Honorable Ministers, Deputy Ministers and senior Government officials here present
• Excellencies the Ambassadors and members of the Diplomatic Corps
• National and international partners
• Members of the media
• UN Heads of Agencies and members of the UN family
• Distinguished guests:

Good afternoon!

It is my great honour to welcome you today to the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and signing ceremony of the Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework between the United Nations and the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan for the period 2026-2030. 

Eighty years ago today, on 24 October 1945, the United Nations Charter entered into force, with these powerful opening words:

“We the Peoples of the United Nations.”

As the film we just watched so beautifully captured, the story of the United Nations is one of collective determination to foster peace, commitment to uphold human rights, resolve to achieve sustainable development, and above all, shared hope for a better, more just, and more inclusive world.

Today, we live in an era of rapid transformation — shaped by technological breakthroughs, challenged by geopolitical tensions, the climate and biodiversity crises, and widening inequalities.
These challenges are complex and interconnected, transcending borders and requiring collective action, international cooperation, and renewed solidarity.

That is precisely why the 80th anniversary of the United Nations is not only a moment for reflection - it is also a call to action:
a call for all of us “We the Peoples” to reaffirm the timeless values of peace, equality, human dignity, and multilateralism that lie at the heart of the UN Charter.

Excellencies, colleagues, friends,

Here in Azerbaijan, the United Nations has been a steadfast partner since 1992 - accompanying the country through its remarkable journey of transformation, development, and modernization.

Thirty-three years later, our partnership enters a new and forward-looking chapter, one that is strategic, focused, and aligned with Azerbaijan’s long-term aspirations and its growing role on the global stage.

It is deeply symbolic that we mark this new phase on UN Day itself - through the signing of the Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for 2026–2030.

This Framework embodies a shared vision for sustainable development, reflecting both Azerbaijan’s status as an upper-middle-income country and its commitment to global goals. It ensures that all UN entities,  whether present in Baku or supporting from regional and global hubs ,  act as One UN, aligning our expertise and resources for greater collective impact.

The new Cooperation Framework is anchored in two strategic priorities that reflect both national ambitions and global imperatives:

1. Inclusive socio-economic growth and human development — ensuring that prosperity is broad-based, that every individual can realize their full potential, and that no one is left behind.

2. Climate resilience, green growth, and just transition — promoting a sustainable economic model that safeguards the environment while creating opportunities for future generations.

    

These are the areas where the UN development system can bring the greatest value, by drawing on our collective expertise, convening power, and global networks, to help translate national priorities into transformative results.

Building on our successful collaboration during COP29, where the UN had the honour of providing system-wide support to the COP 29 Presidency, we will continue to stand beside Azerbaijan as it champions climate diplomacy, multilateralism, and global solidarity.

We also reaffirm our readiness to support the Government in its commitment to advance peace, prosperity, and regional cooperation - all of which are central to sustainable development.

Friends, 

When we speak of “We the Peoples,” I must also speak of the people who bring the United Nations to life every day- my UN colleagues, past and present, who serve with dedication, integrity and hope.

I am proud to be joined today by the Heads and representatives of FAO, ILO, IOM, OHCHR, UN-Habitat, UN Women, WHO, DSS, and my own office. 
And though not all are physically present in Baku, we are equally supported by colleagues from ITU, UNECE, UNEP, UNIDO, and UNOPS-  working from Geneva, Moscow, Nairobi, and Vienna- all integral members of our UN Country Team in Azerbaijan.

Together, we are united by one purpose: to support the Government and people of Azerbaijan in building a greener, more inclusive, and more sustainable future.

On a personal note, these past four years as the UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan have been among the most rewarding of my professional journey. 

Living and working in this vibrant country has deepened my admiration for its culture, creativity, and resilience- and strengthened my belief in the power of partnership and shared purpose.

I am deeply proud of what we have achieved together, and confident in what lies ahead.

Thank you for your trust, your partnership, and your commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals.

Let us continue this journey — together, for people and planet.

Thank you.