BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 9. The Green Climate
Fund’s (GCF) support to Azerbaijan is closely aligned with
Azerbaijan’s Socio-Economic Development Strategy 2022–2026, which
aims for a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, GCF
said in an interview with Trend.


The Fund noted that a key strategic goal is to move Azerbaijan
from reactive to proactive climate management, particularly in
disaster risk management and water security. These commitments
require large investments to finance mitigation and adaptation
projects and programmes.


The Green Climate Fund is the world’s climate fund for
developing countries, mobilizing and delivering capital at scale to
support mitigation and adaptation projects. GCF works systemically
with a focus on country ownership. That means aligning the Fund’s
investment with national climate priorities, unlocking capital and
crowding in partners.


"Through its Readiness and preparatory support programme, GCF is
supporting Azerbaijan’s National Designated Authority (the Fund’s
national government focal point) - the Ministry of Ecology and
Natural Resources - to better identify and develop a pipeline of
high-impact climate projects. The Readiness programme is also
supporting the International Bank of Azerbaijan in its bid to be
accredited to the GCF, which would enable the bank to implement
GCF-funded climate action.


GCF is actively introducing new climate solutions, specifically
focusing on data-driven technology and regional resilience. In
2024, the GCF approved a $35 million initiative, Strengthening
climate information and multi-hazard early warning systems for
increased resilience in Azerbaijan. The project introduces
impact-based forecasting and climate shock-responsive social
protection, technologies that allow the government to predict
climate disasters and automatically trigger financial support for
vulnerable citizens.


By strengthening climate data, forecasting and early warning
communication, the project helps communities, farmers and local
authorities get clear, timely information before disasters strike.
This shift from reacting to crises to anticipating and managing
risk can save lives, protect livelihoods and reduce economic
losses. Over time, the GCF-supported intervention will also build
national capacity and create systems that can be scaled so that
Azerbaijan is better equipped to face a more uncertain climate
future with confidence and resilience," the fund states.


The statement added that GCF is supporting the adoption of
innovative, climate‑resilient technologies that combine renewable
energy with energy‑ and water‑efficient solutions, particularly in
agriculture and water management.







"By backing energy‑efficient approaches and water‑saving
irrigation systems delivered through both public and private
sectors, GCF delivers interventions that reduce emissions,
strengthen climate resilience, and can be scaled nationwide to
support Azerbaijan’s long‑term green transition.


Through the GCF-IFC scaling resilient water infrastructure
facility, GCF and IFC support is helping unlock the investment
needed to build sustainable climate‑resilient water systems in
Azerbaijan and 11 other countries. The project supports the
preparation and financing of water and sanitation investments that
can better withstand floods, droughts and rising climate risks. By
blending concessional finance with private capital, the
intervention helps make complex water projects viable and reduces
risks for investors. This means more reliable water services,
stronger protection against climate shocks, and infrastructure that
supports long‑term economic stability in a changing climate.


GCF’s Glaciers to Farms project addresses the challenge of
melting glaciers in central and western Asia through practical
solutions, helping farmers manage water more reliably and safely.
It aims to develop better water infrastructure, climate-informed
planning, and early warning systems, so that a farmer in Azerbaijan
can plant, plan irrigation, and harvest with more confidence. The
impact of this large-scale regional project goes beyond individual
farms. Healthier water systems mean stronger rural economies,
greater resilience to climate shocks, and more secure livelihoods
for vulnerable communities across glacier-fed regions.


One of GCF’s priorities in Azerbaijan is supporting the
nomination and accreditation of local public and private
institutions as Direct Access Entities (DAEs)," the fund says.


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