AGP Executive Report

Severe Weather & Water Safety: Heavy rains hit Daghestan and Azerbaijan again, damaging roads and leaving dozens of settlements without access and utilities; in Azerbaijan, one person drowned in the river Katekh and drinking-water pipelines were swept away in Zagatala. Green Energy Cooperation: SOCAR and Technip Energies Italy signed an MoU to expand petrochemical work, energy efficiency and low-carbon technologies, while Azerbaijan also pushed forward regional clean-energy planning through the Green Energy Corridor feasibility work. Regional Connectivity & Peacebuilding: The EU is discussing with Armenia and Azerbaijan how to support South Caucasus transport links, with humanitarian demining highlighted as a practical step that can help communities and unlock routes. Social Protection Modernization: Azerbaijan’s DOST signed an MoU with Moldova to pilot a one-stop-shop approach for social services, aiming to modernize social protection systems. Energy & Environment Diplomacy: Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan signed a protocol covering trade, energy, water management and environmental protection, alongside plans for a business council. Public Services Digitization: Azerbaijan’s Culture Ministry is rolling out an e-culture “one-stop shop” model via the MyCulture portal to speed up and track citizens’ cultural heritage requests. Tourism Diversification: The World Bank urged Azerbaijan to broaden tourism beyond Baku to support long-term non-oil growth and jobs.

Green Energy Corridor: Azerbaijan’s 12th ministerial meeting in Baku says the feasibility work for the Caspian-Black Sea-Europe “Green Energy Corridor” is nearing completion, with an action plan expected for next steps on the renewable power route. Regional Energy Cooperation: Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan signed a cooperation protocol covering trade, energy, transport, agriculture, environmental protection and water management after their intergovernmental commission meeting in Ashgabat. EU Peacebuilding & Demining: The EU delivered a remote-controlled demining machine to Armenia, and EU officials linked demining to safer communities and improved South Caucasus connectivity—relevant to Azerbaijan’s border-area recovery and infrastructure plans. SOCAR Decarbonization: SOCAR met Zimbabwe’s parliament speaker to discuss energy cooperation, highlighting its “green” agenda, renewable projects, decarbonization targets and digital transformation. Climate & Weather Impacts: Heavy rain flooded parts of Tbilisi, disrupting airport operations—another reminder of how extreme weather can hit transport and logistics. Media Freedom: Meydan TV and AbzasMedia received the 2026 Free Media Pioneer award, spotlighting ongoing pressure on independent outlets in Azerbaijan.

Green Energy Corridor: Georgia’s economy minister Mariam Kvrivishvili says the Caspian-Black Sea-Europe Green Energy Corridor will boost renewable power links and resilience, with a 12th ministerial meeting in Baku set to review feasibility and an action plan for the Azerbaijan-Georgia-Romania-Hungary project. EU Support for Connectivity: The EU is discussing with Armenia and Azerbaijan how to back regional transport routes, including humanitarian demining that could unlock safer movement and trade. Azerbaijan’s Energy Transition: SOCAR’s Rovshan Najaf met Zimbabwe’s parliament speaker to discuss energy cooperation, including SOCAR’s “green” agenda, decarbonization targets, and digital transformation. Aviation Decarbonization: SOCAR Türkiye and Pegasus Airlines signed a deal to assess Türkiye’s sustainable aviation fuel demand and build a SAF value chain. Climate & Water Risks: Heavy rain flooded parts of Tbilisi, disrupting airport operations—another reminder of growing weather stress across the region. Biodiversity/Environment Note: A separate report highlights Xinjiang’s ecological protection alongside development during an international media visit.

Energy & Climate Diplomacy: COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev warned at the 20th Baku Summer Energy School that the Strait of Hormuz and wider energy shocks keep the “energy crisis” firmly on the climate agenda. Sustainable Aviation: SOCAR Türkiye and Pegasus Airlines signed a cooperation deal to study and build a Sustainable Aviation Fuel value chain, aiming to cut aviation emissions. Finance for Regions: The ADB approved a $40m loan to Bank Respublika to expand credit for micro, small and medium enterprises across Azerbaijan’s regions. UN Cooperation: FM Jeyhun Bayramov met the new UN Resident Coordinator, Dmitry Shlapachenko, highlighting COP29 and WUF13 and the 2026–2030 sustainable development framework. Biodiversity & Wildlife: Azerbaijan’s wildlife story continues with a bison recovery milestone: from one surviving male to 25 calves born wild in a seven-year success. Cross-border Trade & Logistics: Georgia moved to a “Landlord model” for the Anaklia Deep-Sea Port, explicitly welcoming Middle Corridor investors including Azerbaijan.

Climate Impacts: COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev warned that Europe’s heatwaves show climate change is already hitting energy systems, with drought and rising river temperatures disrupting nuclear cooling and raising the stakes for adaptation. Energy Transition: SOCAR Türkiye and Pegasus Airlines signed a sustainable aviation fuel cooperation deal to study demand and feasibility, build a SAF value chain, and cut aviation emissions. UN Cooperation: Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met the new UN Resident Coordinator, Dmitry Shlapachenko, highlighting Azerbaijan’s role in hosting COP29 and WUF13 and pointing to the 2026–2030 sustainable development framework. Regional Finance for SMEs: The ADB approved a $40m loan via Bank Respublika to expand credit access for micro, small and medium enterprises across Azerbaijan’s regions. Baku Energy Education: The 20th Baku Summer Energy School opened, focusing on energy security, innovation, and Azerbaijan’s role in the global energy system.

Climate & Energy Security: COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev warned that Europe’s heatwaves are already hitting power systems, with falling river levels and hotter water reducing nuclear cooling efficiency, as floods, droughts and other hydrometeorological disasters intensify. Energy Diplomacy & Training: The 20th Baku Summer Energy School opened in Baku, focusing on energy security, innovation and climate change, with officials and major energy firms discussing Azerbaijan’s role in the global energy system. Methane Cuts (Gas Network): The World Bank rescheduled a $15m methane reduction project for Azerigaz’s distribution network, aiming to fund leak detection and repair through a dedicated mechanism managed via SOCAR. Biodiversity & Conservation: UNESCO added 14 new biosphere reserves for 2026, including new sites in Asia, highlighting conservation and sustainable coexistence of people and nature. Caspian/Regional Infrastructure: Georgia moved to build the Anaklia Deep-Sea Port under a “Landlord” model, keeping the state as owner of core infrastructure while inviting Azerbaijan and other Middle Corridor partners for terminals and cargo growth. Wildlife in Azerbaijan: Baku Zoological Park continues to spotlight local wildlife conservation, including a bison breeding success story.

Climate Risk Watch: Azerbaijan’s climate envoy Mukhtar Babayev warned that Europe’s heatwaves are already hitting energy systems, with drought and warmer river water reducing cooling efficiency and cutting nuclear power output by over 10%. Methane Control: The World Bank postponed a $15m methane reduction push for Azerigaz’s gas network, extending a leak-detection and repair plan aimed at cutting emissions. Energy & Skills: The 20th Baku Summer Energy School opened with a focus on energy security and innovation, with speakers linking hydrometeorological disasters to intensifying climate change. UN Cooperation: Azerbaijan’s FM Jeyhun Bayramov met the new UN Resident Coordinator to review the 2026–2030 sustainable development cooperation framework and discuss regional security. Biodiversity Spotlight: UNESCO added 14 new biosphere reserves for 2026, including sites in Asia, underscoring conservation and sustainable travel. Green Finance/Industry: AzerGold marked its 10th anniversary with a limited-edition gold-and-silver coin collection themed around sustainable development.

UNESCO Biosphere Reserves: UNESCO added 14 new biosphere reserves for 2026, bringing the network to 797 sites; four are in Asia, including Mongolia’s Tost Toson Bumbiin Nuruu (snow leopard habitat) and the Philippines’ Matibay na Bayan ng Sablayan (from mountain forests to Apo Reef marine ecosystems). Caspian Sea Water Decline: Japan and UNDP backed Kazakhstan with a $3m grant to improve monitoring and cooperation on Caspian water management as levels drop and ecosystems and logistics face growing risk. Baku Metro Emissions Cut: An ADB assessment says more Baku Metro riders could prevent about 700g of CO₂ per passenger; adding 100 million passengers could cut roughly 70,000 tons annually. Sustainable Tourism Talk: Batumi State University opened a conference on tourism challenges and sustainable development, focusing on ecotourism, cultural heritage, digital transformation, and social responsibility. Livestock Market Modernization: Azerbaijan’s AQTA pushes a shift from traditional livestock markets toward digital commodity exchanges to improve transparency and reduce bio-security risks.

Urban Climate Gains: The Asian Development Bank says more riders on Baku Metro could cut about 70,000 tons of CO₂ annually if passenger numbers rise by 100 million, with the network already flagged in Azerbaijan’s climate plans. Caspian Water Watch: Japan and UNDP backed a $3m grant to help Caspian Sea monitoring and water management as levels keep falling, threatening logistics, ecosystems and endemic species. Livestock Modernisation: Azerbaijan’s AQTA is pushing a shift from traditional physical livestock markets to modern digital commodity exchanges to improve transparency and bio-security. COP31 Logistics: Türkiye is preparing special entry/exit and support arrangements for COP31 delegates in Antalya, with organizers stressing environmental management and sustainable development. Digital Policy Push: An Op-Ed highlights Azerbaijan’s long-running push to turn digital transformation into national policy, linking e-government and innovation to future growth. Energy Transition Debate: A global commentary argues the world must electrify to reduce climate and disaster risks tied to fossil-fuel dependence. Azerbaijan–US Ties: President Aliyev congratulated Donald Trump on the US’s 250th independence anniversary, pointing to expanding cooperation in energy, connectivity, security, and digital transformation.

Livestock Modernization: Azerbaijan’s AQTA is pushing a shift from chaotic, visual-based livestock markets to digital livestock commodity exchanges to cut bio-security risks and improve pricing transparency. Low-Carbon Transport: The Asian Development Bank says boosting Baku Metro ridership could prevent about 70,000 tons of CO₂ annually if 100 million more passengers use the system. Caspian Water Stress: Japan and UNDP backed Kazakhstan’s Caspian Sea sustainability push with a $3m grant, citing climate-driven water loss that threatens ecosystems and logistics across the region. Climate-Energy Debate: A COP31-focused op-ed argues the world must electrify faster to reduce vulnerability from fossil-fuel shocks and extreme weather linked to El Niño. Water Scarcity Data: A new global map highlights severe water stress worldwide, underscoring how freshwater withdrawals are outpacing renewable supplies as climate patterns shift. Sustainable Cities Angle: Commentary from Baku’s World Urban Forum stresses housing as a first line of defense against climate impacts, linking adequate housing to health and dignity.

Caspian Sea Sustainability: Japan pledged $3m (465 million yen) with UNDP to help Kazakhstan tackle Caspian water decline, citing climate-driven drops in levels that threaten logistics, ecosystems, and endemic species. Low-Carbon Transport: The Asian Development Bank says boosting Baku Metro ridership by 100 million passengers could cut about 70,000 tons of CO₂ annually, linking metro expansion to Azerbaijan’s climate goals. Green Investment Push: ADB also estimates Azerbaijan’s transport sector could cut around 600,000 tonnes of emissions by 2030 through measures like rail electrification and partial electrification of buses, trucks, and cars. Regional Climate Accountability: Sweden’s court allowed climate activists to sue over missed targets, a move that could inspire similar legal pressure elsewhere. Great Return Data Drive: ADA University and the State Committee launched a national survey of IDPs under the Great Return Program to map social, health, economic, and digital access needs for better planning. Caspian Connectivity Talks: Hikmet Hajiyev met economist Jeffrey Sachs in Baku, discussing sustainable development and the Caspian region, including the “Marco Polo – Drive of Peace” EV connectivity idea.

Caspian Water Crisis: Japan pledged a $3m UNDP grant to help Kazakhstan tackle the Caspian Sea’s shrinking water levels, warning it could disrupt ecosystems and maritime logistics. Climate Accountability in Courts: Sweden’s top administrative court allowed activists to sue over missed climate targets, a move that could inspire similar litigation elsewhere. UNEP Spotlight on Youth: UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen praised Azerbaijani youth climate action during World Environment Day visits, including a stop at Yanar Dagh. Sustainable Transport Push: Azerbaijan and the UN discussed cooperation on sustainable transport, road safety, and urban mobility, tying it to the Baku Call to Action from WUF13. ADB Emissions Cuts: ADB said Azerbaijan’s transport sector could cut about 600,000 tonnes of CO2 by 2030 via electrification and rail-focused decarbonisation. Biodiversity & Wildlife Win: Azerbaijan’s Baku Zoological Park highlighted wildlife conservation progress, including a bison breeding success story. Urban Housing & Climate Link: An opinion piece from Baku’s World Urban Forum argues housing must be treated as a frontline defense against climate impacts.

Sustainable Transport & Road Safety: Azerbaijan and the UN discussed cooperation on sustainable transport, road safety, and urban mobility, with officials pointing to the Baku Call to Action from WUF13 and the push for safer, more livable cities. Climate Action & Youth: UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen praised Azerbaijani youth for climate and environmental work, sharing her visit to Baku’s Yanar Dagh. Carbon Cuts in Transport: The Asian Development Bank says Azerbaijan’s transport sector could cut about 600,000 tonnes of CO2 by 2030 through measures like rail electrification and partial electrification of buses, trucks, and cars. Great Return Data for IDPs: ADA University’s IDD launched a national survey project among internally displaced people under the Great Return program to map social, health, economic, and digital access conditions. Biodiversity & Beekeeping: Leyla Aliyeva met “Young Beekeeper” participants in Yevlakh, highlighting eco-entrepreneurship linked to biodiversity conservation. Wildlife in the Capital: Baku Zoological Park was featured as a wildlife haven in the city. Global Climate Research: AzTU will host the 14th Global Conference on Global Warming (GCGW-2026) starting September 2.

Climate Transparency: UNFCCC climate meetings in Bonn saw record participation as 37 countries submitted first Biennial Transparency Reports, pushing the Paris Agreement’s push for clearer reporting on mitigation and adaptation. Extreme Heat & Water Risks: A Swedish professor warns Europe’s warming is accelerating glacier loss, which can later reduce river flows and strain farming, hydropower, ecosystems, and drinking water. Road Safety & Sustainable Transport: Azerbaijan’s FM Jeyhun Bayramov met UN road-safety envoy Jean Todt, highlighting reforms, digital transport upgrades, and road safety efforts, including in the liberated territories. Biodiversity & Local Action: Leyla Aliyeva visited Yevlakh’s “Young Beekeeper” project, supporting eco-entrepreneurship tied to biodiversity conservation through beekeeping. Wildlife in the Capital: Baku Zoological Park is spotlighted for its conservation role, including rare species and breeding support. Energy Infrastructure: SOCAR officially took over operatorship of the BTC pipeline and common operatorship with SCP, with safety and reliability emphasized. Green Research Agenda: AzTU will host the Global Conference on Global Warming (GCGW-2026), bringing climate and sustainable development researchers together.

UN Sustainable Development: A new UN report ranks Kyrgyzstan highest in Central Asia on progress toward the SDGs, while Armenia leads the Caucasus; it also flags environmental degradation concerns in Armenia and notes Azerbaijan sits near the top of the region at 52nd. Biodiversity & Youth: Leyla Aliyeva visited a “Young Beekeeper” participant’s family in Yevlakh, highlighting beekeeping, honey production, and the project’s biodiversity conservation goals. Road Safety & SDGs: FM Jeyhun Bayramov met UN Special Envoy Jean Todt to discuss Azerbaijan’s reforms for a safe, modern transport system and road traffic safety. Climate Science: AzTU will host the 14th Global Conference on Global Warming (GCGW-2026) in early September, focusing on climate impacts, renewables, and ecosystem protection. Wildlife Conservation: WWF reports 12 European bison were translocated to Shahdagh, where the herd has grown with calves born wild. Energy Infrastructure: SOCAR officially takes over operatorship of the BTC pipeline and common BTC/SCP operations from bp, with safety and reliability emphasized. Regional Energy Stress: Kyrgyzstan asked neighbors, including Azerbaijan, for help securing stable fuel supplies amid Russia’s fuel crisis.

EU-Azerbaijan energy shift: Ursula von der Leyen says the EU will scale partnership with Baku across energy, transport and digital, calling Azerbaijan a reliable energy partner and a potential clean electricity hub. Caspian climate adaptation: Azerbaijan warns the Caspian Sea is retreating fast—about 20–30 cm a year—driven by climate change, less rainfall, higher evaporation and reduced river inflows, with ports, fisheries and coastal tourism at risk. Biodiversity win: WWF reports 12 European bison were released into Shahdag National Park seven years ago, and the herd has grown to 25 calves born wild. Livable Baku funding: The World Bank plans $410m for “Livable Baku,” targeting solid waste upgrades, sanitary landfills, sorting/recycling and cleanup of polluted lakes and oil-contaminated areas to boost climate resilience. Green power corridor: Engineers say the Caspian Green Energy Corridor feasibility work is “very promising,” aiming to link Central Asian renewables through Azerbaijan toward Europe. Pipeline operatorship change: BTC oil pipeline operations move from bp to SOCAR’s subsidiary from July 1, 2026, across Azerbaijan, Georgia and Türkiye (Sangachal terminal stays with bp).