AGP Executive Report

Urban Renewal: President Ilham Aliyev and Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov visited Baku White City, a district created by redeveloping land polluted by more than 150 years of oil-industry activity. Caspian Crisis: The five littoral states agreed to establish a commission on the sea’s falling water levels, with its first meeting planned in Azerbaijan in the first half of 2027. The decline threatens ecosystems, fisheries, coastal communities and shipping. Green Investment: The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank approved a $45 million loan for Azerbaijan’s seawater desalination project and a $1 million grant for the Caspian Green Energy Corridor, supporting water security and cleaner energy.

Caspian Sea: The five littoral states agreed to establish a commission on the sea’s falling water levels, with its first meeting set for Azerbaijan in the first half of 2027. Leaders warned of growing risks to ecosystems, fisheries, ports and coastal communities; President Ilham Aliyev said the sea’s surface area has shrunk by more than 20,000 square kilometres. Sustainable Cities: At the UN, Azerbaijan called for faster action on sustainable urban development and highlighted the Baku Call to Action, which urges a concerted response to the global housing crisis and stronger implementation of the New Urban Agenda. Clean Energy: The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank signed grants to prepare the Caspian Green Energy Corridor and plan coastal infrastructure for large-scale offshore wind. Corporate Sustainability: SOCAR scored 50 out of 100 in S&P Global’s 2026 sustainability assessment, outperforming 83% of companies in its industry group.

Caspian Crisis: Leaders of the five Caspian states agreed to form a commission to investigate the sea’s accelerating decline and coordinate responses. Azerbaijan will host its first meeting in the first half of 2027. President Ilham Aliyev said the sea has lost more than 20,000 square kilometres and warned of damage to ecosystems, ports and coastal communities; he cited reduced river inflows and human activity alongside climate change. Green Energy: Azerbaijan and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank signed $1.1 million in grants to prepare a Caspian green-energy corridor and study coastal infrastructure for a large offshore wind farm. Corporate Sustainability: SOCAR scored 50 in S&P Global’s 2026 sustainability assessment, outperforming 83% of companies in its industry group.

Water Security: The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank approved a $45 million loan for a seawater desalination plant in Sumgayit, designed to produce up to 300,000 cubic metres of water a day and diversify Azerbaijan’s freshwater supply. Regional Water Cooperation: Central Asian states and Azerbaijan are discussing shared water management, water-saving technologies and reservoir operations, as the Caspian’s falling levels raise concerns for the region. Climate Action: Ahead of COP31 in Türkiye, the UN climate chief urged countries to turn pledges into practical results and expand access to climate finance. Green Energy: Uzbekistan proposed a joint low-carbon energy plan for Central Asia and Azerbaijan, while regional leaders called for stronger cooperation on environmental resilience.

Regional Climate Cooperation: At the first Central Asia–Azerbaijan summit in Awaza, leaders backed closer work on green energy, water management and climate resilience. A joint declaration highlighted plans to export Central Asian green energy to Europe via Azerbaijan. Water and Nature: Tajikistan’s president called for joint action on glacier melt, desertification and biodiversity, while Kyrgyzstan’s leader stressed protecting glaciers and mountain ecosystems. Climate Diplomacy: President Ilham Aliyev urged stronger global action for Small Island Developing States, saying climate change threatens their livelihoods, infrastructure and ecosystems.

Caspian Sea in Focus: Leaders of the five Caspian states are due to meet in Avaza on October 9 as falling water levels threaten coastal ecosystems and infrastructure. The sea’s surface shrank by more than 26,000 square kilometres between 2005 and 2022, according to Kazakhstan’s hydrometeorological service. The summit’s test will be whether it leads to stronger joint monitoring and practical adaptation measures. Regional Water Cooperation: Central Asian officials have agreed on a shared direction for managing the Amu Darya and Syr Darya, with talks covering water use, climate resilience and growing economic and demographic needs. Azerbaijan’s Environmental Agenda: Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov raised Caspian decline, climate change and regional water issues at meetings in Avaza, calling for scientific cooperation and information-sharing. Satellite Monitoring: Azercosmos launched Platerra, an AI platform that can map changes in forests, water bodies and agricultural land to support environmental monitoring and resource management.

Caspian at Risk: Falling water levels are exposing new islands off Kazakhstan’s coast and threatening wildlife, wetlands, fisheries and coastal communities. Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov warned that the Caspian’s decline is harming coastal infrastructure and the environment, and called for regional research and information-sharing. Regional Response: Kazakhstan is developing a joint program with Caspian states to address falling levels, pollution and biodiversity loss, including protection for the Caspian seal. Climate Diplomacy: President Ilham Aliyev reiterated Azerbaijan’s support for climate-vulnerable small island states, saying their priorities were central to the country’s COP29 presidency.

Caspian Sea Crisis: Kazakhstan launched an interstate program with UNDP and partners to tackle the Caspian Sea’s sharp water-level decline, protect biodiversity (including the Caspian seal), cut pollution and plastic waste, and improve environmental monitoring; experts link the drop to climate change and global warming. Wildlife & Habitat: New under-water islands are emerging as the Caspian shrinks, with reports of wildlife already reaching exposed land, underscoring escalating ecosystem pressure. COP31 Prep & Climate Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev used the Pre-COP Leaders’ Event in Fiji to stress climate resilience for Small Island Developing States and keep SIDS priorities at the top ahead of COP31. Marine & Environmental Crime: The UN Crime Congress in Abu Dhabi highlighted environmental crime as a key agenda item, launching the “Abu Dhabi Call to Action on Environmental Crime” with Azerbaijan among partners. Local Green Culture: Birbank introduced a tree-planting initiative tied to newborns’ birth certificates, aiming to build a lasting green legacy.

Climate Diplomacy & COP29: President Ilham Aliyev told Fiji’s Pre-COP Leaders’ Event that Azerbaijan put Small Island Developing States (SIDS) at the front of its COP29 agenda, backing climate resilience and stronger global action. Transparency for Real Cuts: A high-level dialogue during Climate Week in Baku stressed that transparency is the bridge between climate pledges and on-the-ground delivery, linking reporting to national decisions and investment priorities. Nature, Wildlife & Monitoring: Azercosmos highlighted how satellite data and GIS can support climate resilience, disaster management, agriculture and environmental monitoring, as the Antalya Declaration on “Space for Peace” was adopted at the International Astronautical Congress. Water & Environment Protection: Azerbaijan received the World Aquatics Environmental Award for long-term efforts to protect aquatic ecosystems and restore Caspian resources. Green Growth via Transport: The ADB approved a $350m loan to modernize Azerbaijan’s Bilajari–Yalama railway electrification and systems, aiming to cut energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. Community Greening: Birbank launched “Adı ilə böyüsün,” planting a tree for each newborn tied to bank birth certificates. World Habitat Day: Azerbaijan marked World Habitat Day with a focus on adequate, climate-resilient housing for all.

Climate Transparency: At Climate Week in Baku, stakeholders said transparency is the bridge between climate pledges and real delivery, stressing stronger climate reporting tied to national decisions and investment priorities. Biodiversity & Water Risks: Azerbaijani NGOs warned that Lake Goycha drying risk is rising and that pollution of transboundary rivers from Armenia most harms Azerbaijan downstream, urging Armenia to submit reports under the Espoo Convention. Mining Impacts: The same NGO coalition said Armenia has not provided an environmental impact report for the Amulsar gold mine, alleging waste entering transboundary rivers via groundwater. Mine-Free World Push: A Geneva photo exhibition highlighted the human and environmental fallout of Armenia’s mine warfare against Azerbaijan, calling for international support for a “Mine-Free World” goal. Regional Environment Diplomacy: From Oct 7–9 in Turkmenistan’s Avaza, CIS and Caspian environmental talks will run alongside Central Asia–Azerbaijan meetings, with water and environmental protection on the agenda. Aquatic Conservation Award: The World Aquatics Foundation presented Azerbaijan an Environmental Award in Baku, praising long-term efforts to protect Caspian water ecosystems. Green Infrastructure Finance: A German–Azerbaijani Connectivity Conference opened in Baku to mobilize finance for Middle Corridor infrastructure, transport, green energy and digitalization. World Habitat Day: Azerbaijan marked World Habitat Day, focusing on adequate, climate-resilient housing for all.

Environmental recognition: The World Aquatics Foundation presented Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources with an Environmental Award at the World Cup opening in Baku, praising long-term work on sustainability, aquatic ecosystem protection and Caspian natural resource restoration. Green transition cooperation: Azerbaijan and Sweden discussed green transition and innovation during the Swedish Institute’s “Impact Pioneers ’26 EUROPE” programme in Stockholm, with Azerbaijan representatives sharing experience on renewable energy, sustainable urban infrastructure, green finance and circular-economy solutions. Plastic waste policy debate: A new push for stronger environmental law includes a first-ever “ecocide” law proposal for Latin America, aiming to criminalize severe environmental harm and boost biodiversity protection funding. Caspian risk watch: Reports highlight that Caspian Sea water levels are falling to the lowest levels in decades, raising environmental and economic concerns for the Middle Corridor. Space & sustainability agenda: Azerbaijan joined discussions at the 77th International Astronautical Congress in Türkiye, where sustainability and cooperation were on the agenda.

Green Transition & Innovation: Azerbaijan and Sweden discussed cooperation on green transition and innovation during Sweden’s “Impact Pioneers ’26 EUROPE” program, with Azerbaijani agencies and companies sharing experience on renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, green financing and public-private partnerships. Climate Diplomacy: Ahead of COP31, the COP29 Presidency’s representative on climate issues visited Fiji and Tuvalu to highlight how rising sea levels and extreme weather are already harming small island ecosystems and livelihoods, calling for stronger climate finance and resilience. Renewables in the Liberated Territories: Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Energy said Sugovushan-1 and Sugovushan-2 small hydropower plants generated 61.6 million kWh over five years after reconstruction, supporting cleaner urban environments and green energy growth. EU Talks: Azerbaijan’s Deputy Foreign Minister met an EU delegation to discuss partnership priorities, including climate cooperation and Middle Corridor transport and logistics, plus energy security and steps in the Armenia-Azerbaijan reconciliation process. Water & Risk: A new report warns that declining Caspian Sea levels could threaten both environmental conditions and regional economic routes tied to the Middle Corridor.

COP29 Climate Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s COP29 Presidency envoy is visiting Fiji and Tuvalu for Pre-COP31 meetings, stressing that small island states face rising sea levels, extreme weather and urgent needs for climate finance and adaptation. Renewables in the Liberated Territories: Under the Great Return program, 591 people were relocated to Sugovushan, while Sugovushan-1 and -2 small hydropower plants have generated 61.6 million kWh since reconstruction—boosting cleaner local energy. Water Stress Warning: A new discussion links declining water across Eurasia to economic strain, arguing that water scarcity can squeeze investment and “capital liquidity.” Azerbaijan–EU Talks: Deputy FM Yalchin Rafiyev met EU officials on a new partnership agreement, with climate cooperation and Middle Corridor transport and energy connectivity high on the agenda. Energy Prices & Inflation: IEA warns surging diesel prices tied to geopolitical conflict could push global inflation higher. Biodiversity & Wildlife: Russia’s Buryatia neutralized 331 bears after repeated incidents near populated areas.

COP31 Climate Prep: Azerbaijan’s COP29 climate envoy Mukhtar Babayev is visiting Fiji and Tuvalu for Pre-COP31 talks, stressing how sea-level rise, extreme weather and climate finance gaps are already threatening small island states. Renewable Energy in Liberated Areas: Under the Great Return program, 591 people were relocated to Sugovushan, with reconstructed small hydropower plants Sugovushan-1 and -2 generating 61.6 million kWh over five years, supporting cleaner urban life. Green Energy Diplomacy: Azerbaijan and the EU discussed clean energy business opportunities in Brussels, including wind/solar expansion and grid links, while also reviewing transport connectivity and Middle Corridor prospects. Marine Litter Push for COP31: Türkiye’s COP31 Presidency launched a Marine Litter Action Platform in Trabzon to scale proven solutions and connect projects with knowledge and finance. Energy Prices & Inflation: IEA chief Fatih Birol warned that higher diesel prices tied to geopolitical conflict could keep global inflation pressures elevated. Cyber Safety: Azerbaijan’s State Security Service says AI-powered cybercrime networks abroad are targeting citizens with “urgent” scam messages, urging people to report suspicious requests fast.

Renewable Energy & Water: Azerbaijan’s Sugovushan small hydropower plants (Sugovushan-1 and -2) generated 61.6 million kWh over five years after reconstruction, supporting cleaner urban environments and green energy growth. Green Energy Diplomacy: Azerbaijan and Switzerland held talks in Bern on expanding cooperation in renewable energy, digital tech, agriculture and tourism, plus humanitarian demining and support for reconstruction in liberated territories. Clean Energy for Europe: An Azerbaijan-EU Clean Energy Business Roundtable in Brussels focused on wind, grid infrastructure and energy efficiency, aiming to boost European private-sector participation and expand “green energy corridors.” Marine & Transport Risk: Experts warned that Caspian Sea water levels are falling and shallowing is accelerating, threatening the long-term sustainability and costs of the Middle Corridor. Regional Connectivity: At the CAMCA forum in Baku, officials said the Middle Corridor has grown more than 15-fold in two years, while still flagging Caspian Sea decline as a key challenge. Local Resettlement: Under the Great Return program, 591 people were relocated to Sugovushan, with housing, school renovations, and reconstructed small hydropower plants to restore daily life. Cybersecurity: Azerbaijan’s State Security Service warned that AI-powered cybercrime networks abroad are targeting officials and citizens with “urgent” scam messages and fake law-enforcement pages.

Renewable Energy & Green Territories: Sugovushan’s rebuilt small hydropower plants (Sugovushan-1 and -2) generated 61.6 million kWh over five years, supporting Azerbaijan’s push for cleaner power in liberated areas. Water & Transport Risk: Experts warn Caspian Sea levels are falling and shallowing is accelerating, threatening the long-term sustainability and costs of the Middle Corridor. Regional Connectivity & Policy: Azerbaijan and Switzerland met in Bern to discuss bilateral ties, renewable energy, digital cooperation, reconstruction, and humanitarian demining, while also touching Armenia-Azerbaijan normalization and regional security. Marine Environment Ahead of COP31: Turkey’s COP31 Presidency launched a Marine Litter Action Platform in Trabzon to scale proven solutions, improve monitoring, and connect projects with finance. Community Resettlement: Under the Great Return program, 180 families (591 people) were relocated to Sugovushan, alongside school, utilities, and hydropower upgrades. Cybersecurity: Azerbaijan’s State Security Service says AI-powered cybercrime networks are targeting officials and citizens with “urgent” scam scenarios, urging people to report suspicious messages fast.