AGP Executive Report

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.

Caspian Sea Watch: Experts warn the Caspian’s falling water level and faster shallowing could raise costs and threaten the long-term sustainability of the Middle Corridor, with coastline retreat and accelerating depth loss flagged as key risks. Clean Energy & EU Ties: Azerbaijan and the EU held talks in Brussels on clean energy business opportunities, including renewables, grid links, and energy efficiency, with both sides pointing to regional “green energy corridors” and connectivity. Marine Litter Push for COP31: Türkiye’s COP31 Presidency launched a Marine Litter Action Platform in Trabzon to scale proven solutions through better knowledge-sharing, monitoring, and faster links to finance and technical support. Water & Digital Governance: Kazakhstan commissioned its QazSu water resources information system with EDB support, a move aimed at improving water management, monitoring, and environmental controls. Regional Connectivity Momentum: The CAMCA Regional Forum in Baku highlighted the Middle Corridor’s rapid growth and stressed that Caspian conditions must be factored into future planning. Environmental Recognition: Baku and Azerbaijan received a World Aquatics Foundation Environmental Award for ongoing efforts to protect the environment. Human Rights & Children’s Safety: Azerbaijan’s ombudsperson joined ENOC in Barcelona, sharing work on children’s rights, including energy drink consumption and digital safety.

Regional Climate & Water Governance: Kazakhstan commissioned the EDB-backed QazSu water resources information system, aiming to digitalize water management and improve monitoring for environmental and sanitary protection. Methane Cuts: Turkmenistan reviewed methane-emission standards with EU support and UNEP-backed work reported mitigation at eight sources, moving from detection to elimination and continued monitoring. Trade Corridor, Sustainability Angle: The World Bank launched its “Middle Corridor: Next Stage” push, arguing the Trans-Caspian route can boost trade and resilience by 2040 if logistics performance and policy reforms improve. Azerbaijan–EU Climate Cooperation: Azerbaijan’s deputy foreign minister met the EU Council working group on energy, transport, and climate cooperation, including renewable energy and expanded gas supply discussions. Ocean Health Research: A NYU Abu Dhabi study links Pacific climate swings to faster oxygen shifts in shallow waters and slower, longer-lasting impacts in deeper ocean zones. Biodiversity/Environment Spotlight: World Aquatics honored Baku with an Environmental Award during the 2026 Swimming World Cup opening, highlighting ongoing local environmental efforts. Energy Security & Environment Links: Azerbaijan and Greece discussed energy cooperation and the environment among topics at their joint commission meeting, alongside Middle Corridor development and new connectivity.

Caspian Sea Crisis: The Caspian Sea has dropped to its lowest level in 48 years, with experts linking the retreat to climate change and rising temperatures—warning of knock-on risks for biodiversity, coastal communities, ports, and the oil-and-gas sector. Regional Trade & Climate Resilience: A World Bank report says upgrading the Trans-Caspian “Middle Corridor” could more than triple trade and cut travel times by 2040, while also helping countries better handle weather shocks like floods and droughts. Middle Corridor Momentum: A World Bank forum in Georgia highlighted how coordinated investments and reforms could make the corridor more efficient and sustainable, with Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia, Kazakhstan and Türkiye among participants. Energy Cooperation: Azerbaijan and Greece advanced ties in Athens, including energy and transport links; Azerbaijan reported 61+ bcm of gas delivered to Europe via TAP since operations began. Water Security Abroad: China pledged major reservoir and flood-dike upgrades to strengthen disaster mitigation and ecological security, as climate-driven flood risks intensify. Media & Trust: Azerbaijan hosted CICA’s “Building Trust through Media” forum, focusing on media literacy, disinformation risks, and climate pressures shaping public trust. Climate Journalism: Kenyan reporter Doreen Ajiambo won a Covering Climate Now award for COP30 climate reporting.

CICA Media Forum in Baku: President Ilham Aliyev opened the first CICA Media Forum, urging stronger media literacy and responsible use of new technologies to protect public trust amid AI-driven fake content and disinformation. Regional dialogue on sustainability: A CICA panel said Azerbaijan’s chairmanship has pushed environmental sustainability alongside digitalization and transport connectivity, linking green infrastructure to regional integration. CAMCA Regional Forum: The CAMCA 2026 forum also started in Baku, with sessions spanning green finance, AI, and tourism, aiming to boost cross-border cooperation across Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Afghanistan. Energy and environment cooperation: Azerbaijan’s energy ministry discussed with Greece advancing renewable and green energy interconnections and gas supplies, while highlighting the role of energy transition. Investment for climate resilience: The Islamic Development Bank approved a $938m package for Nigeria and five countries, including clean energy, water and sanitation, and projects meant to help communities withstand climate shocks. Local nature heritage: AzerGold unveiled new gold and silver coins themed on Kalbajar’s natural environment and mineral springs, tying cultural revival to Azerbaijan’s landscapes.

Energy & Climate Links: Azerbaijan’s Energy Minister met Greece’s environment and energy counterpart to push gas supplies, renewable and “green energy” interconnections, with nearly 700 million cubic metres of Azerbaijani gas delivered to Greece in the first eight months of 2026. Sustainable Infrastructure Finance: The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank wrapped up its Doha meeting, reaffirming a push to scale climate-resilient, nature-conserving infrastructure and announcing Azerbaijan will host AIIB’s 12th annual meeting in 2027. Urban Environment & Housing: Baku’s housing market keeps heating up as construction costs and plot shortages drive price growth, with new-build prices rising faster amid tighter building rules. Noise & Built Environment: Baku will host the 14th International Acoustic Engineering Forum (Oct 8–9), focusing on noise and vibration protection and acoustic comfort in major facilities. Social Resilience: A draft law would redirect a smaller share of mandatory social insurance contributions to the insurance part of personal accounts to strengthen the pension reserve for vulnerable groups.