9th SDG Dialogue Held in Baku

The 9th Sustainable Development Goals Dialogue, held in Baku, focused on accelerating the implementation of Azerbaijan’s national climate commitments, decarbonizing the energy sector, transitioning to green energy, and exploring investment opportunities in this field.

The 9th Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Dialogue was held in Baku, jointly organized by the National Coordination Council for Sustainable Development, the Ministry of Economy, and the United Nations (UN). The event, titled “Accelerating NDC3.0 Implementation in Azerbaijan: Advancing Energy Sector Decarbonization for Sustainable Development,” focused on implementing Azerbaijan’s national climate commitments, advancing the green energy transition, developing renewable energy sources, and exploring investment opportunities in this area. The event brought together representatives of government agencies, international organizations and financial institutions, the private sector, academia, and civil society.

In his remarks, Deputy Minister of Economy Samad Bashirli stated that the Sustainable Development Goals are an integral part of Azerbaijan’s national development policy and that the country’s national priorities and socio-economic development strategies are aligned with the SDGs. He emphasized the importance of accelerating the implementation of Azerbaijan’s climate commitments and decarbonizing the energy sector.

It was noted that expanding renewable energy projects, developing green energy corridors, and attracting private investment contribute to economic diversification and the energy transition. Investment promotion mechanisms, green loans, concessional financing, and public-private partnership arrangements are being utilized in this regard. The role of digital technologies in improving energy and resource efficiency in production, as well as promoting green development in Garabagh, East Zangezur, and Nakhchivan, was also highlighted.

Dmitry Shlapachenko, UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan, noted the importance of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the United Nations in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, implementing national climate commitments, and accelerating the energy transition. He emphasized that stronger coordination among government agencies, international partners, and the private sector, along with the application of international best practices and innovative solutions, would contribute to achieving sustainable development objectives.

Nigar Arpadarai, Member of the Milli Majlis and COP29 High-Level Champion, addressed the priorities of Azerbaijan’s climate agenda, the importance of building on the outcomes achieved during COP29, and the need for joint efforts to implement national climate commitments.
Sunniya Durrani-Jamal, Country Director of the Asian Development Bank for Azerbaijan, highlighted the role of international financial institutions in supporting Azerbaijan’s sustainable development priorities, as well as opportunities to accelerate the green energy transition and attract investment to the sector.

As part of the Dialogue, Khurshid Rustamov, Economist at the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan, delivered a presentation titled “Nationally Determined Contributions: Global Climate Action to Achieve the Goals of the Paris Agreement and Azerbaijan’s Experience.”

The event continued with a high-level panel discussion titled “Implementing Azerbaijan’s Nationally Determined Contributions and SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) Targets through Energy Sector Decarbonization: Policy, Investment and Partnerships.” The panel addressed the priorities and implementation mechanisms of Azerbaijan’s updated national climate commitments, the green energy transition, emissions reductions in the transport sector, sustainable financing, and the attraction of international investment.

Participants explored opportunities to advance the green transition in Azerbaijan’s energy sector, expand renewable energy projects, improve energy efficiency, utilize green financing mechanisms, and strengthen public-private partnerships. Discussions also covered the implementation of Azerbaijan’s SDG 7 Roadmap and the alignment of the energy transition with the country’s energy security and economic development objectives.
The event concluded with a question-and-answer session and an exchange of views among representatives of government agencies, international organizations, the private sector, and other stakeholders.