AGP Executive Report

COP31 Buildings Push: COP31 Presidency proposes a global target to cut buildings’ energy intensity by at least 20% by 2035 (vs 2025), plus a “35 by 2035” electrification goal, spotlighting efficiency as a fast way to cut emissions and boost resilience. Climate Finance & Business: At Baku Climate Action Week, Azerbaijan’s climate leadership urged banks to make climate finance core business and called for stronger private-sector roles in green transition, implementation, and sustainable investment. Water Under Pressure: Mukhtar Babayev urged more efficient water use, linking droughts, heavier floods, and unpredictable supplies to the need for monitoring and early warning. Caspian Sea Retreat: Azerbaijan’s foreign minister flagged the falling Caspian Sea as an urgent climate-linked economic and security issue, while regional discussions warned of navigation and biodiversity impacts. Geothermal Momentum: SOCAR highlighted geothermal energy as a future growth sector and is seeking an equity partner to share project risks. Green Corridor Logistics: UNECE officials backed greening the Middle Corridor/Trans-Caspian route, stressing climate-ready port and intermodal design. Regional Connectivity: Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan moved to revive Caspian passenger ferry service (Kuryk–Baku–Kuryk) to boost tourism and Middle Corridor links. COP31 Support for Türkiye: Azerbaijan reaffirmed support for Türkiye hosting COP31, framing it as continuity for climate action and finance.

UN Climate Week in Baku: Azerbaijan hosted the UNFCCC Fourth Climate Week (CW4) opening ceremony, with Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov saying climate change is already hitting coasts, economies and financial markets, and urging faster action to turn COP commitments into results. Climate Finance & Private Sector: COP29 climate officials and business leaders at Baku Climate Action Week pushed for climate finance to become a core banking priority and for companies to embed emissions cuts into strategy, not just rely on governments. Geothermal Push: SOCAR flagged geothermal energy as a future growth sector, seeking an equity partner to share project risks while new legislation is prepared. Caspian Sea Retreat: Coverage highlighted the accelerating decline of the Caspian Sea over decades, linking it to climate pressures and reduced river inflows, with knock-on effects for biodiversity and regional shipping. Green Middle Corridor: UNECE officials and Azerbaijani partners discussed greening the Trans-Caspian/Middle Corridor by designing ports and intermodal terminals with climate and decarbonization in mind. Azerbaijan–World Bank Talks: The Economy Minister met the World Bank to review cooperation and explore new initiatives supporting SMEs and sustainable growth. MAMA “Mother Nature” Goes International: Leyla Aliyeva’s environmental art project opened in Madrid, using culture to raise awareness of nature protection.

UN Climate Week in Baku: The Fourth Climate Week opened with calls to turn COP31 pledges into real implementation, as UN officials stressed that climate ambition must land in cities, industry and communities—not just declarations. Youth & finance focus: COP31 leadership highlighted education and youth participation, while UN and partners warned the biggest gap remains financing to scale clean energy, electrification, grids, storage, methane cuts and resilient urban planning. Caspian Sea pressure on trade: Baku Port says seabed dredging to protect operations will start by end-2026 after an international tender, as falling Caspian levels already reduce cargo capacity on the Middle Corridor. Green cities & biodiversity: Azerbaijan plans to more than double Baku’s public green spaces by 2040, building interconnected “green” corridors to boost resilience, public health and biodiversity. COP31 partnership message: Azerbaijan’s parliament and climate leaders argued global mistrust makes cooperation harder, but climate remains the one agenda that can unite countries. Mine action cooperation: UN and Azerbaijan discussed procurement of demining equipment and a Center of Excellence to share Azerbaijan’s mine-clearance experience. Regional connectivity: Talks in Baku on the Middle Corridor urged a single transit operator and shared digital customs tools to speed sustainable freight flows.

Urban Climate Planning: Baku is set to expand public green spaces to about 2,500 hectares by 2040, adding roughly 1,000 hectares of new areas, with interconnected “green” corridors to boost biodiversity, health, mobility and climate resilience. Buildings & Standards: New energy-efficiency rules for construction aim to turn climate commitments into enforceable requirements. COP31 Youth Focus: At Baku Climate Action Week, COP31 leaders stressed climate education and youth participation, framing COP31 as “the COP of youth.” Circular Economy in Cities: UK House of Lords member Patricia Scotland urged cities to embed circular economy principles—reuse, repair, recycling—into planning, backed by financing and political support. Climate Finance & Implementation: UN and EBRD speakers warned that turning ambition into action hinges on integrated local planning and better project-finance coordination. Caspian Sea & Transport Costs: Falling Caspian levels are already cutting cargo capacity on the Middle Corridor and forcing costly dredging and possible berth extensions. Flood Risk & Early Warning: Flood frequency in Azerbaijan has risen sharply, and officials highlighted AI-enabled multi-hazard early warning systems, plus reservoir projects in Karabakh and East Zangazur to reduce flooding. Agriculture Resilience: Azerbaijan is shifting subsidies toward productivity—modern irrigation, certified seeds, and better practices—while expanding climate stations (aiming for 181) and using AI tools like a farmer scoring system. Wildfire Smoke Health: A WMO bulletin links extreme wildfire smoke to nearly 100,000 excess deaths per year (2010–2018), warning current risk models may underestimate smoke toxicity impacts.

Caspian Sea Water Crisis: Azerbaijan’s Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Rauf Hajiyev says the Caspian Sea’s falling level is already reshaping coastlines, ecosystems and habitats, threatening species like the Caspian seal and sturgeon and hitting coastal cities, ports and transport. Climate Week in Baku: UNFCCC’s Fourth Climate Week in Baku is spotlighting sustainable cities, transport, water and agriculture, plus how AI can strengthen early warning systems for multiple hazards and support climate-resilient farming. Green Energy Push: Wind power output surged in Jan–Jun 2026, and officials say wind could rise about sixfold by year-end while solar grows too; Azerbaijan also framed itself as a renewable energy connector via regional “green corridors.” Carbon Markets & Finance: Panels at Baku Climate Action Week focused on carbon markets to unlock climate finance, voluntary credit quality and double-counting safeguards, with the Central Bank urging Azerbaijan to start building domestic carbon market infrastructure now. Methane Abatement: Experts discussed turning satellite and ground methane monitoring into verified, scalable emissions cuts. Energy Efficiency Rules: Azerbaijan is moving toward an energy efficiency passport for construction permits (from Jan 1, 2027), with officials linking it to upcoming hospital designs in liberated territories. Emergency Preparedness: Azerbaijan’s Emergency Situations Ministry representatives took part in an international integrated security exhibition, meeting counterparts on disaster prevention and response.

Baku Climate Action Week 2026: Azerbaijan’s UNFCCC Climate Week event is pushing climate action from talks to delivery, with sessions on cross-border renewable energy certificates and carbon markets aimed at making green power trade and climate finance more trusted and interoperable across the South Caucasus, Black Sea and Central Asia. Methane and carbon integrity: Experts discussed accelerating methane abatement by linking satellite, aerial and ground monitoring to repair decisions, while SOCAR Green highlighted rising scrutiny over voluntary carbon credit quality and the need to prevent double counting. Climate finance push: UNFCCC officials stressed that transparency is key to turning pledges into measurable results, with Azerbaijan-backed momentum toward COP31 and new climate finance targets. Energy transition in Azerbaijan: Deputy Energy Minister Elnur Soltanov said renewables are set to reach 34% by end-2027, while IRENA called the transition both economic and strategic, with Azerbaijan aiming for 2 GW of green projects by 2027. Buildings and electrification: Azerbaijan will require an energy efficiency passport for construction permits from Jan 1, 2027, and SOCAR plans to electrify offshore compressor systems by replacing gas turbines with electric equipment.

UN Climate Week in Baku: The UNFCCC’s Fourth Climate Week officially kicked off in Baku (Sept 7–11), running alongside Baku Climate Action Week 2026, with sessions focused on energy transition, climate finance, and industrial decarbonization ahead of COP31. Clean power push: Azerbaijan’s Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov said wind generation is expected to nearly sixfold and solar output to rise by over 26% by year-end, arguing that grids, storage, and energy efficiency are key to a clean, secure transition. Climate risk context: A new climate-focused piece highlights how extreme heat, wildfires, and drought are intensifying globally, stressing that water-cycle disruption is driving wider economic and health impacts. Biodiversity & conservation: Two Eurasian griffon vultures rehabilitated in Saudi Arabia have settled as residents in Armenia and Iraq after long regional journeys, with tracking data showing they stayed close to their new home ranges. Cultural heritage under pressure: Reports say Azerbaijan authorities destroyed Shushi’s historic Old Armenian-Russian cemetery and medieval khachkars, with satellite imagery cited as showing the site erased in May 2026. UN cooperation: Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev met the newly appointed UN Resident Coordinator to discuss reconstruction, humanitarian demining, and environmental challenges, including ecological concerns in the South Caucasus.

Climate Finance & COP31 Prep: Azerbaijan is gearing up for the 4th UNFCCC Climate Week in Baku (Sept 7–11) alongside Baku Climate Action Week 2026, with sessions focused on practical climate action, climate finance, and implementation ahead of COP31. Energy Security: Europe’s gas squeeze is reshaping the region’s energy picture, and Azerbaijan is set to play a bigger role as markets adjust away from Russian supply. El Niño Risks: The World Meteorological Organization warns El Niño is set to intensify into a very strong event through early 2027, raising risks of extreme heat, floods, and drought. UN Cooperation: President Ilham Aliyev met the newly appointed UN Resident Coordinator, with discussions covering reconstruction, humanitarian demining, and environmental challenges in post-conflict areas. Mine Action & Urban Recovery: Azerbaijan’s mine action push remains central in UN and international talks, including efforts to turn demining into “peace infrastructure” for safer settlements. Biodiversity/Conservation: Two Eurasian griffon vultures rehabilitated in Saudi Arabia have settled as residents in Armenia and Iraq after long regional movements, highlighting cross-border wildlife recovery efforts.

Climate Finance & COP31 Prep: Azerbaijan is gearing up for the 4th UNFCCC Climate Week in Baku (Sept 7–11) alongside Baku Climate Action Week, with sessions focused on practical climate action, implementation and climate finance ahead of COP31. COP31 Implementation Push: Türkiye’s COP31 presidency plans to shift negotiations from pledges to investable projects, linking climate action to energy security, cities, water and food resilience. El Niño Risk Alert: The World Meteorological Organization warns El Niño is set to intensify into a very strong event through early 2027, raising risks of extreme heat, floods, and drought worldwide. UN-Azerbaijan Cooperation: President Ilham Aliyev met the newly appointed UN Resident Coordinator to discuss reconstruction, humanitarian demining, and environmental challenges, including ecological concerns in transboundary areas. Mine Action as “Peace Infrastructure”: Azerbaijan’s mine action conference in Baku continues to frame demining as a foundation for safe settlement and urban recovery. Wildlife Conservation: Rehabilitated Eurasian griffon vultures released from Saudi Arabia have settled in Armenia and Iraq after long regional journeys, highlighting cross-border biodiversity protection.

Climate Risk Watch: The World Meteorological Organization says El Niño is set to intensify into a “very strong” event, with nearly 100% likelihood it persists through February 2027—raising risks of extreme heat, floods, and droughts that could hit food and water security. COP & Local Action: Azerbaijan is gearing up for the 4th UNFCCC Climate Week in Baku (Sept 7–11) alongside Baku Climate Action Week, with a push to turn climate pledges into investable projects ahead of COP31. UN Cooperation: President Ilham Aliyev met the newly appointed UN Resident Coordinator to discuss reconstruction in post-conflict areas, humanitarian demining, and environmental challenges. Biodiversity & Wildlife: Two rehabilitated Eurasian griffon vultures released in Saudi Arabia have settled in Armenia and Iraq, with tracking data showing they stayed close to their new home ranges. Urban & Housing Sustainability: Azerbaijan and Somalia co-chaired a UN-Habitat meeting on integrated national housing policies linking housing with social, economic, environmental, and spatial planning.

Climate Diplomacy: Azerbaijan will host the UNFCCC’s 4th Climate Week in Baku (Sept 7–11), with the Baku Climate Action Week running alongside it, bringing officials, experts and finance players to push climate action and sustainable development ahead of COP31. Extreme Weather Watch: The WMO warns El Niño is set to intensify into a “very strong” event, with near-100% odds it persists through Feb 2027—raising risks of floods, drought and extreme heat. Mine Action & Urban Safety: A Baku panel on “Technology and Innovation for Safer and More Effective Humanitarian Demining” highlighted how advanced tools and training can speed up safer clearance, with Azerbaijan cited for building national demining capacity. Sustainable Housing: An OEWG meeting co-chaired by Azerbaijan and Somalia in Nairobi focused on integrated national housing policies that link housing with social, economic, environmental and spatial planning. Energy & Industry: Lummus and SOCAR are drafting a roadmap to expand Azerbaijan’s oil refining and petrochemical capabilities, aiming at efficiency and long-term sustainability. Data for Resilience: UK firm Metatek won new airborne gravity survey contracts in Azerbaijan, expanding coverage to support exploration in Quba and Lower Kura.

Climate Finance & COP29 Follow-through: Türkiye’s COP31 President-designate Murat Kurum says COP29 in Baku set a $300 billion climate finance goal by 2035, with a wider $1.3 trillion mobilization aim, stressing faster delivery to countries and projects. Extreme Weather Watch: The World Meteorological Organization warns a strengthening El Niño could raise the risk of extreme heat and disrupt rainfall patterns through 2027. Urban Environment & Housing: Azerbaijan co-chaired a UN-Habitat expert meeting in Nairobi on integrated national housing policies, linking housing with social, economic, environmental and spatial planning. Mine Action for Safer Land: A Baku panel at the 4th International Mine Action Conference highlighted technology and cooperation to make humanitarian demining safer and more effective, with Azerbaijan cited for building national capacity. Energy & Environment Link: Azerbaijan-based SOCAR Group moves toward downstream integration as SOCAR Georgia Petroleum imports its first EN 228 petrol shipment from Italiana Petroli, diversifying supply sources. Hydrocarbon Exploration: UK Metatek secured new airborne surveying contracts in Azerbaijan, expanding gravity gradiometry coverage in Quba and the Lower Kura region to support exploration.

Humanitarian Demining in Focus: Azerbaijan hosted the 4th International Mine Action Conference in Baku, spotlighting “Humanitarian Demining for Urban Recovery” and how technology, training, and international cooperation can make clearance safer and more effective. UN-Habitat officials said Azerbaijan’s approach—linking mine action with reconstruction and return—could serve as a model, while speakers highlighted Azerbaijan’s large-scale demining efforts and funding. Land Degradation & Restoration: An Azerbaijani MP took part in COP17 on desertification, stressing national plans to restore degraded lands and forestry, and noting the importance of ecological restoration in liberated territories. Energy & Industry Moves: SOCAR and Lummus are developing a roadmap to expand Azerbaijan’s oil refining and petrochemical capacity, while SOCAR Georgia Petroleum imported its first EN 228 petrol shipment from Italiana Petroli (now part of the SOCAR Group), supporting fuel supply reliability. Trade Corridors & Sustainability: Discussions around the Middle Corridor emphasized reducing transit friction and improving logistics interfaces, with Azerbaijan and the Caspian route framed as key for resilient east-west trade.

Mine Action & Urban Recovery: Azerbaijan’s 4th International Mine Action Conference opened in Baku with a focus on “Humanitarian Demining for Urban Recovery,” highlighting cleared land, detected and neutralized ordnance, and mine clearance as a foundation for safe settlements, housing, roads, energy and public services. International Cooperation: UN-Habitat and EU officials said Azerbaijan’s approach—linking demining with reconstruction and return—can guide other mine-affected countries, while Azerbaijan called for predictable long-term international financing and the EU pledged continued support. Regional Partnerships: ARMAC and ANAMA signed an MoU to expand capacity building, technical exchange, and knowledge sharing, including on environmental impacts of explosive remnants of war. Climate Context: A UN report warned the world is set to exceed the Paris 1.5°C goal, pushing debate toward “overshoot, peak and decline” and the need for stronger climate action and finance. Desertification & Land: An Azerbaijani MP at COP17 in Mongolia stressed legal and policy frameworks for land, forests and biodiversity, including a drought plan and forestry restoration targets, with special attention to ecological restoration in liberated territories. Information Environment: Azerbaijan’s Media Development Agency accused Poland-based Nexta and other Western outlets of running a disinformation campaign over a Goranboy fire, alleging a coordinated hybrid effort.

Mine Action & Peacebuilding: Azerbaijan urged stronger international funding for humanitarian demining, saying mines still block IDP returns, endanger lives and slow economic recovery—so demining must be treated as peace infrastructure, not just a humanitarian task. Baku Conference: The 4th International Mine Action Conference opened in Baku with 400+ participants from 60 countries, focused on “Humanitarian Demining for Urban Recovery” and how safe land enables schools, hospitals, infrastructure and sustainable settlements. Funding Figures: Azerbaijan says it has allocated about $590 million for demining since November 2020, while only around 4% came from international support; officials cite clearing 298,000+ hectares and neutralizing 260,000+ mines and unexploded ordnance. Regional Cooperation: ARMAC and ANAMA signed an MoU to expand capacity building, technical exchange and knowledge sharing, including on environmental impacts and survivor support. Climate Science: AzTU hosted the 14th Global Conference on Global Warming in Baku, bringing together nearly 200 researchers from 30 countries to discuss climate change research and cooperation.

Mine Action & Urban Recovery: Baku kicked off the 4th International Mine Action Conference, “Humanitarian Demining for Urban Recovery,” with President Ilham Aliyev saying over 13% of Azerbaijan’s territory is affected by mines and unexploded ordnance, and that since 2020, 437 citizens have been killed or injured by mine incidents. Funding & International Solidarity: ANAMA says about $590m has been allocated for demining since November 2020, with only ~4% coming from international support, while UN officials stressed mine clearance needs deeper partnerships. Tech for Safer Land: UNOPS highlighted how AI and advanced tools could speed up and improve demining, pointing to Azerbaijan as a place where innovation can scale. Climate Science in Baku: Azerbaijan Technical University hosted the 14th Global Conference on Global Warming (GCGW-2026), bringing nearly 200 researchers from 30 countries to discuss climate change solutions and cooperation. Water & Environment Infrastructure: Acwa and Veolia signed an MoU to optimize seawater desalination across the value chain, focusing on energy savings, chemical optimization, and better water-quality monitoring.