BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 19. Azerbaijan and
the United Nations (UN) recently held the inaugural and second
meetings of the Results Groups under the newly established
Cooperation Framework on Sustainable Development, Trend reports via the
Ministry of Economy.
The session of the First Results Group on Inclusive
Socio-Economic Growth and Human Development featured remarks by
Deputy Minister of Economy Samad Bashirli, who emphasized that
Azerbaijan attaches great importance to cooperation with the UN in
achieving sustainable, inclusive, and innovative development goals.
He noted that for more than 30 years, Azerbaijan has been
consistently implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
within the framework of its partnership with the organization.
Moreover, it was highlighted that digitalization, green energy,
and innovation are priority areas aligned with the SDGs in
Azerbaijan. In particular, the construction of modern
infrastructure in the liberated territories based on the concepts
of smart cities, smart villages, and green energy zones was
described as a clear example of the country’s commitment to
sustainable development. The initiative proposed by the President
of Azerbaijan to introduce the eighteenth SDG on Mine Action was
also noted as a significant contribution to the global sustainable
development agenda.
UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan, Igor Garafulic, highly
praised Azerbaijan’s commitment to the SDGs and the concrete steps
taken in this area, stating that the organization he represents
will continue to support the country’s initiatives.
World Health Organization (WHO) Representative Hande Harmanci
stressed that Azerbaijan’s investments in healthcare and human
capital are important for sustainable development. She expressed
WHO’s support for ongoing efforts to strengthen the national health
system and provide inclusive services to communities.
During the sessions, the Cooperation Framework on Sustainable
Development between the UN and Azerbaijan for 2026-2030 was
presented, and joint work plans for 2026 were discussed.
At the meeting of the Second Results Group on Climate
Resilience, Green Development, and Just Transition, Deputy Minister
of Ecology and Natural Resources Umayra Taghiyeva, UN Resident
Coordinator Igor Garafullik, and Food and Agriculture Organization
(FAO) Representative Nasar Hayat delivered opening remarks.
Discussions focused on environmental protection and the energy
transition.
As part of the partnership with the UN on sustainable
development for the period 2026-2030, each working group meets
annually with stakeholders to discuss the results of the previous
year and, if necessary, to make changes to the plans and framework
program for the following year.
