Second SDG dialogue reviews Azerbaijan’s progress towards social and economic inclusiveness

BAKU, 14 June 2023 – The Second SDG dialogue, focused on social and economic inclusiveness in Azerbaijan towards 2030,has brought together over 100 representatives from government agencies, the United Nations (UN), international financial institutions (IFIs), the diplomatic community, the private sector, civil society and academia. 

Organised by the National Coordination Council on Sustainable Development of Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Economy, and the UN, the event centred around the findings of the analysis on Azerbaijan’s progress on inclusive growth indicators in line with the Inclusive Growth Index developed by the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). 

The participants also exchanged views on strategies to further enhance social inclusion for vulnerable groups, including unemployed youth, women, internally displaced persons, migrants, rural population, the elderly, people with disabilities,and others, as well as to facilitate their meaningful and effective participation in socio-economic processes.

They welcomed the fact that “Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development” and the "Strategy of Socio-Economic Development in 2022-2026" identified a dynamic, inclusive society based on social justice as one of the five priorities of Azerbaijan’s development up to 2030. It was underscored that inclusive growth and social inclusion lie at the heart of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and are in harmony with the fundamental principle of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development - to leave no one behind.

Moreover, the event provided a platform to discuss the global level preparations for the upcoming global SDG Summit in September 2023 at the UN General Assembly in New York. The summit is expected to witness the adoption of national and global commitments for SDG transformation.  

The participants also discussed joint commitments to enhanceinclusive growth and social inclusion in Azerbaijan. These commitments were proposed to serve as a contribution to Azerbaijan’s National Commitments to SDG Transformation atthe upcoming global SDG Summit in September 2023.

The Second SDG Dialogue was organised as part of the SDG Dialogue series initiated under the leadership of the National Coordination Council on Sustainable Development with support of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office and the Ministry of Economy.