Speech by UN Resident Coordinator Vladanka Andreeva at the EU Mobility Week event held in the Absheron National Park

Mr. Mukhtar Babayev, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan;

Mr Madat Guliyev, Minister of Defence Industry of the Republic of Azerbaijan;

Ms. Leyla Aliyeva, Founder of the IDEA Public Union;

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

It is a great pleasure for me to join the European Mobility Week event at the Absheron National Park. I would like to thank the organizers for the invitation to join this event. 

We started the day with  a bicycle race, which I enjoyed very much. 

Cycling is among the most efficient and sustainable means of transportation. Walking and cycling have economic, social, environmental and health benefits. 

European Mobility Week puts the spotlight on safe walking and cycling, encouraging everyone to walk and cycle for recreation and transport. This will not only deliver significant health benefits, but also contribute to developing sustainable mobility systems, creating liveable cities and communities, and cleaner air -all of which contribute, directly and indirectly, to multiple Sustainable Development Goals.  

 And this is just one of the many urgent actions we have to take in order to slow down the effects of climate change,  and reduce the risk of extreme and unpredictable weather.

In Azerbaijan, we are encouraged by the Government’s commitment to meet its international obligations and put in place appropriate policy and institutional frameworks in support of environmental action.

The United Nations is a trusted partner and supporter to Azerbaijan’s efforts aimed in addressing climate change. 

Under EU-funded project, UNDP is currently working together with the Government of Azerbaijan to establish an important and reliable system for monitoring, reporting and verification of greenhouse gases.

 To support Government in fulfilling its obligations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, UNDP assisted the  preparation of the 4th National Communication – a key document that spells out the next steps to be taken in all key sectors - at national and local level – to prepare for, adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change.

Within the "Healthy Environment - Healthy Future" initiative implemented jointly by UNICEF and the Ministry of Education, an animation series was produced featuring various themes related to environmental education. 

These educational materials help schoolchildren understand how their actions affect the environment, help build their knowledge and skills enabling them to understand better how to  address environmental issues and keep the environment healthy. 

These are just few examples of successful partnership between the UN and the Government of Azerbaijan in the field of environmental protection.

Friends, 

EU Mobility week offers an opportunity to reaffirm the country's support to energy-efficient initiatives, and to further promote  the use of low- or zero-emission mobility. 

Thank you!

Chox sag olun!