BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 25. The transition to
clean energy has become a defining element of sustainable
development, climate action and long-term energy security, the
third secretary of the Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan to the UN
Gamar Safarova said during an informal interactive dialogue on
“Accelerating the Global Energy Transition: Advancing Renewables,
Energy Efficiency and International Cooperation”.


"While important progress has been made in expanding renewable
energy and improving energy efficiency, significant challenges
remain. Closing investment gaps, modernizing grid infrastructure,
expanding energy storage, and ensuring access to affordable finance
and technology are essential to enable all countries, particularly
developing countries, to benefit from the opportunities of the
energy transition.


In this context, international cooperation and effective
partnerships remain indispensable. Azerbaijan believes that
cross-border cooperation and multinational partnerships can play an
important role in strengthening energy security while advancing
global climate objectives.


As the COP29 Presidency, Azerbaijan has worked to strengthen
international cooperation and advance implementation across key
areas of climate action. Under the Baku Climate Unity Pact, key
breakthroughs were achieved across all pillars, from long-awaited
progress on operationalizing high-integrity carbon to agreement on
a new collective climate finance goal for the first time in the
history of the UNFCCC and making the Fund for responding to Loss
and Damage fully operational.


Recognizing that the rapid deployment of renewable energy must
be accompanied by modern and resilient electricity systems,
Azerbaijan also launched the COP29 Global Energy Storage and Grids
Pledge Initiative, which promotes stronger investment in
electricity grids and energy storage as essential enablers of a
secure, reliable and resilient clean energy transition.


At the national level, Azerbaijan is pursuing an ambitious
energy diversification agenda, guided by its national development
strategy “Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for Socio-Economic
Development” which identifies building a clean environment and a
country of green growth as one of the country's five national
priorities. In line with this vision, Azerbaijan continues to
expand renewable energy generation through large-scale solar, wind
and hydropower projects across different regions, including the
liberated territories. Azerbaijan's post-conflict reconstruction
and development efforts likewise demonstrate its commitment to
green growth and sustainability. Guided by the principles of
environmental stewardship and climate resilience, these efforts
incorporate modern urban planning, renewable energy solutions,
resilient infrastructure, and innovative smart city and smart
village concepts.


Accelerating the global energy transition requires practical
action, strengthened partnerships and sustained investment in
renewable energy, energy efficiency, grids and enabling
infrastructure. Azerbaijan remains committed to advancing a clean
environment and green growth through investments in renewable
energy, resilient infrastructure cooperation, and stands ready to
work with all partners to advance an inclusive, resilient and
sustainable energy future that benefits all," Gamar Safarova
said.