NAKHCHIVAN, Azerbaijan, February 13.
Cooperation between the European Union (EU) and Azerbaijan can
ensure low-carbon and sustainable urban development, EU Ambassador
to Azerbaijan Marijana Kujundžić said at an event on the Covenant
of Mayors-Eastern Partnership (CoM East) initiative in Nakhchivan,
Trend reports.
"The EU and Azerbaijan can work together to ensure that the
country's cities are low-carbon, sustainable, and liveable for
future generations," she explained.
According to her, climate change is no longer a problem of the
distant future, nor is it just a global issue.
"It's real and has a direct impact on our cities, communities,
and economies.
Azerbaijan, like the rest of the world, is already facing rising
temperatures, water shortages, extreme weather events, and
environmental degradation. All of this has a direct impact on urban
life.
Local governments are at the forefront of climate action.
Because energy is mainly consumed in cities, waste is generated
here, and buildings are heated here. In other words, the impacts of
climate change are felt most strongly in cities.
The Covenant of Mayors provides a strong framework for cities to
lead, set climate targets, and translate national goals into real
action at the local level. Municipalities joining this initiative
voluntarily commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing
climate resilience, and strengthening energy efficiency and
sustainability.
This is not just a political statement but also a practical
approach based on a concrete roadmap and data. The energy sector,
while being a major source of emissions, also has the greatest
potential for change. presents. Key priorities include increasing
energy efficiency in public buildings, schools, hospitals, and
residential buildings, promoting renewable energy sources such as
solar and wind in municipal infrastructure, and reducing losses in
local energy distribution systems," she noted.
The ambassador emphasized that energy efficiency is not only
beneficial for the climate but also reduces municipal costs,
increases energy security, and lowers household utility costs.
"Buildings account for a large share of energy consumption in
cities. Thermal insulation and renovation of old buildings,
energy-efficient lighting and heating systems, as well as smart
urban planning approaches, reduce energy demand, improve living
comfort, health, and quality of life.
The transport sector also has a serious impact on the increase
in emissions. Population growth, increased use of public transport,
and, at the same time, the rapid increase in the number of cars
exacerbate the problem in this area. For example, in Baku, the
number of cars has increased by 20–30% in recent years. This is a
trend also observed in many European cities, and urgent measures
must be taken," she delineated.
Kujundžić noted that waste management and the implementation of
a circular economy are also important components of climate
policy.
"Overall, climate action at the local level creates multiple
benefits, such as economic savings, new job creation, improved
public health, and cleaner, more attractive cities. Investing in
climate action today is cheaper and safer than dealing with the
severe consequences of climate change tomorrow.
We are here today to increase public awareness and active
participation of cities. I am pleased to see all the cities that
have already joined the Covenant of Mayors initiative, and I hope
that new cities will also join this initiative. This is not just a
signature, but a shared responsibility for all of us.
Working together, the EU and Azerbaijan can ensure that our
country's cities are low-carbon, sustainable, and livable for
future generations. I congratulate the cities of Ganja, Shaki,
Mingachevir, Shamakhi, Khirdalan, and Yevlakh on becoming active
members of this initiative, and this list will expand. The cities
of Nakhchivan will also benefit from the program and actively
participate in the country's climate action," the ambassador
added.
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