Azerbaijani President Aliyev at the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Development Week 2025: Accelerating Global Progress

President Ilham Aliyev participated in the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Development Week 2025. The summit, which brought together global leaders, politicians, and industry pioneers, provided a platform for discussions on addressing the most pressing issues of our time.

Azerbaijan's participation in this event is not only symbolic but also aligns with its broader strategic goals. With vast reserves of hydrocarbons, the country is strategically investing in renewable energy projects to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and transition to a more sustainable future.

Participation in global dialogues on sustainable development also strengthens Azerbaijan's diplomatic ties, especially with the Gulf countries, and demonstrates its commitment to the UN Agenda for Sustainable Development until 2030. Actively engaging in these forums, Azerbaijan emphasizes its readiness to contribute to international efforts to achieve the UN’s development goals.

In recent years, Azerbaijan has made significant strides in sustainable development. The country has invested substantial resources in renewable energy sources, including the well-known Garadagh solar power plant with a capacity of 230 MW, a key project marking an important milestone in the transition to clean energy. Additionally, Azerbaijan has signed agreements with international companies, such as ACWA Power, to develop offshore wind energy projects. These initiatives are part of Azerbaijan's broader efforts to diversify its energy portfolio and reduce carbon emissions.

Azerbaijan's "green growth" strategy has also included ambitious environmental restoration programs. Among the most notable are efforts to restore forests and rehabilitate lands in the liberated regions of Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur. These projects aim to preserve biodiversity and combat climate change, playing a crucial role in the country's broader environmental conservation efforts. Moreover, reforms implemented by the Azerbaijani government have led to reductions in carbon emissions and improved energy efficiency in both industrial and residential sectors.

The country's commitment to green infrastructure extends to its transportation network. Key projects such as the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway and the expansion of the Baku port enhance the efficiency of regional trade while minimizing emissions associated with transit. These developments not only stimulate economic activity but also demonstrate Azerbaijan's strategic approach to integrating sustainability into its infrastructure.

As an important transit hub, Azerbaijan is also advancing joint projects that promote sustainable trade and transportation both within the Caspian region and beyond. The country’s efforts to integrate sustainability into its transportation and energy systems are central to its broader strategy of fostering regional cooperation and ensuring a more sustainable future for all.