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.