Within the framework of COP29, a statement was signed on the establishment of the SPECA Climate and Innovation Dialogue during the Ministerial Meeting of the UN Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA). The launch of the SPECA Multilateral Trust Fund was also announced.
The Ministerial Meeting of the SPECA Climate and Innovation Dialogue was held within the framework of COP29 in our country.
At the event, Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov highlighted the significance of SPECA for our region. He noted that SPECA has created an important platform for regional cooperation promoting economic development, ecological sustainability, and innovation in participating countries. With the support of SPECA, our countries are strengthening their economies and building a future prepared for the challenges of climate change. The SPECA Climate and Innovation Dialogue plays a crucial role as a key platform for many countries. Through this dialogue, our countries will contribute to the goals set by the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. The dialogue is also beneficial for developing joint strategies to address the environmental, social, and economic impacts of climate change. It was emphasized that the SPECA Climate and Innovation Dialogue will stimulate the transition to low-carbon, sustainable economies. By involving stakeholders from various sectors, knowledge exchange and specific solutions for green development will be formulated. The dialogue will play a significant role in increasing the implementation of innovative, sustainable practices in the region. In addition to the aforementioned, initiatives such as increasing the share of renewable energy in the energy sector, improving energy efficiency, and transitioning to a circular economy will also be supported.
It was emphasized that the SPECA Multilateral Trust Fund will serve as a flexible mechanism to address common challenges such as climate change, economic integration, and sustainable development.
The Executive Secretary of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, and the Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), Tatyana Molchan, highlighted the importance of global dialogue and joint initiatives to address the challenges arising from climate change. They emphasized that dialogue could foster synergies in areas such as strengthening innovation ecosystems and technologies for sustainable development. The importance of effectively utilizing innovations for results-oriented climate action, resilience, and well-being was also underscored.
Additionally, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy of Kazakhstan, Nurlan Baybazarov, the Deputy Minister of Economy and Trade of Kyrgyzstan, Sanjarbek Bolotov, and the Deputy Minister of Investments, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan, Shokhruh Gulamov, in their speeches emphasized the importance of regional and international cooperation on climate issues. They shared their thoughts on the anticipated benefits of the Climate and Innovation Dialogue and the Multilateral Trust Fund.
In addition, presentations were made regarding the SPECA Climate and Innovation Dialogue and the SPECA Multilateral Trust Fund. The creation of the Dialogue and the announcement of the opening of the Fund were made.
At the conclusion of the event, the Baku Joint Ministerial Statement on the establishment of the SPECA Climate and Innovation Dialogue was signed.
