AGP Executive Report

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.

Humanitarian Demining: President Ilham Aliyev opened Baku’s 4th International Mine Action Conference, saying 437 Azerbaijani citizens have been killed or injured by mines since 2020 and that large-scale clearance is under way across liberated territories—298,000 hectares cleared and 260,147 mines and unexploded ordnance neutralized. Funding & UN Support: ANAMA says about $590 million has been allocated to mine clearance since November 2020, while the UN reports Azerbaijan has made major progress, including 25.6% of contaminated areas released for safe use and $146 million allocated in 2024 alone. Urban Recovery Link: ANAMA stresses demining must come before construction—clearing land for homes, roads, schools, hospitals, utilities, and agriculture. Partnerships: Azerbaijan and NATO discussed cooperation in humanitarian demining, including a NATO Science for Peace and Security project to bring new technologies to clearance. Water & Energy Efficiency: Acwa and Veolia signed an MoU to optimize seawater desalination across the full value chain, focusing on cutting energy use, improving chemical dosing, and monitoring water quality.

Climate & Water Security: The World Bank approved a $1.5 million grant to help Azerbaijan prepare a climate-resilient, more efficient water supply project for Baku, including feasibility work, digital water management, energy-efficiency measures, and steps to cut non-revenue water. Energy & Environment Diplomacy: Azerbaijan and Bahrain held talks in Kazan on expanding cooperation in energy and environmental protection, with a visit to Khimgrad Technopolis. Regional Climate Push: Türkiye’s COP31 president Murat Kurum said the summit will focus on turning climate pledges into on-the-ground implementation, not new targets. Methane Watch: UN satellite monitoring flagged Turkmenistan as a major methane hotspot, with 192 alerts and multiple major leaks reportedly stopped after repairs. SCO Connectivity Agenda: At the SCO+ summit in Bishkek, leaders discussed sustainable peace and regional development, while Erdoğan and Aliyev emphasized energy and transport cooperation and Erdoğan invited Aliyev to COP31. Biodiversity Countdown: Armenia’s environment ministry began a daily countdown for COP17 in Yerevan, framed around biodiversity conservation.

SCO Summit in Bishkek: Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev is in Kyrgyzstan for the Aug. 31–Sept. 1 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, with talks expected to cover transport, logistics, digital cooperation, and even environmental and humanitarian priorities; Azerbaijani journalists also arrived to cover the meetings. Azerbaijan Peace & Connectivity: Aliyev and Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan agreed in Bishkek to keep confidence-building steps moving to consolidate lasting peace and normalization, while Modi also met Pashinyan on West Asia peace and bilateral cooperation. Missing Persons Conference in Baku: Azerbaijan will host the 4th International Conference under the Baku Dialogue on Missing Persons, focused on trust, information exchange, and practical mechanisms including modern forensic and DNA approaches. Water & Climate Angle: Armenia is urged to shift from piecemeal water management to a national water policy, with Lake Sevan highlighted as both an ecological and strategic resource. Desalination Sustainability: Acwa and Veolia signed an MoU to optimize seawater desalination across design, chemicals, monitoring, and operations with energy-efficiency and lower environmental impact as key goals. Methane Leak Fixes Elsewhere: Turkmenistan has started plugging methane mega-leaks, a move UN data calls a breakthrough for rapid climate benefits.

SCO Summit in Bishkek: Leaders from across Eurasia are gathering for the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, with Azerbaijan’s Ilham Aliyev among the expected attendees and the agenda spanning trade and connectivity, digital cooperation, and environmental protection. Azerbaijan–Armenia Peace Steps: Aliyev and Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan agreed to keep consolidating lasting peace and normalization, with confidence-building contacts highlighted. Water and climate focus: An Armenia-focused expert piece urges a shift to a comprehensive national water policy, pointing to Lake Sevan’s recent rise and the need to cut losses and manage transboundary risks. Desalination efficiency push: Acwa and Veolia signed a deal to optimize seawater desalination across design, chemicals, monitoring and daily operations, aiming to reduce energy use and environmental impact. Methane leak crackdown: Turkmenistan has begun plugging major methane mega-leaks, praised as a breakthrough by UN data, after years of high-emitter concerns. Digital economy expansion: The Digital Cooperation Organization approved eight new member candidatures including Azerbaijan, potentially expanding its reach to about 980 million people. EV charging rollout: Anari Energy reported new fast-charging deployments, including in Azerbaijan, as part of wider international expansion. Baku Dialogue conference: Azerbaijan will host the 4th International Conference under the Baku Dialogue on Missing Persons, emphasizing practical mechanisms using modern forensic and DNA tools.

Desalination & Water Efficiency: Acwa and Veolia signed a Paris MoU to cut the energy cost and environmental footprint of seawater reverse-osmosis desalination, focusing on more efficient plant design, smarter chemical dosing, and better real-time water-quality monitoring. Methane Leak Control: Turkmenistan has begun repairing “methane mega-leaks” at ageing oil and gas sites, with UN data noting eight leaks plugged so far and hundreds of methane alerts sent in the past year. Clean Energy Push in Azerbaijan: A World Bank-backed AZURE project aims to modernize Azerbaijan’s power transmission and expand renewable energy capacity, especially onshore wind, as the country looks to diversify beyond oil and gas. EV Charging Rollout: Anari Energy says its Vulco DC chargers are now operating in Azerbaijan and other countries, with expansion milestones across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and beyond. Consumer Safety & Pollution Risk: Azerbaijan approved amendments tightening customs checks for imported non-food goods, requiring conformity documents to prevent unsafe products entering the market. Regional Connectivity & Environment Link: Coverage around the SCO summit in Bishkek and Azerbaijan’s role highlights how transport corridors like INSTC and North-South routes could reshape trade flows—an issue that also affects emissions and logistics planning.

SCO Summit in Bishkek: Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev is expected to attend the Sept. 1 Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit and the “SCO Plus” meeting, with leaders including Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, Narendra Modi, and UN chief António Guterres also slated to participate. Clean Energy Push: Azerbaijan is positioning renewables as a way to diversify beyond oil and gas, with the World Bank’s AZURE project backing grid upgrades and onshore wind investment. Caspian Sea Facts: A new explainer revisits why the Caspian is often called a “sea” for political reasons, while its geography fits a lake—relevant for how resources are managed. Consumer Safety Rules: Azerbaijan approved amendments tightening customs checks for imported non-food goods, requiring conformity documents to protect consumers. EV Charging Expansion: Anari Energy says its fast-charging network is now operating in Azerbaijan and other countries, highlighting growing EV infrastructure. Land Restoration: UNCCD-linked coverage spotlights restoration efforts and awards aimed at reversing degraded land and boosting resilience.

Renewables Push: Azerbaijan is betting on a clean energy boom, with the World Bank’s AZURE project backing power transmission upgrades and onshore wind to diversify away from oil and gas. Regional Climate & Disaster Watch: Flooding in Nepal’s Tibet border area has killed at least five and left hundreds missing, underscoring how extreme weather can ripple across the region. Land Restoration: The UN Convention to Combat Desertification highlighted restoration wins, aiming to bring degraded land back to life and protect livelihoods. EV Charging Expansion: Anari Energy says its fast-charging network is now operating in Azerbaijan and other countries, with new milestones across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and beyond. Trade & Transport Links: Coverage around the Middle Corridor and North-South connectivity keeps pointing to faster, more reliable logistics through Azerbaijan and the Caspian. SCO Summit in Bishkek: Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev is set to attend the Sept. 1 SCO summit, a major regional gathering that can shape cooperation on security and economic corridors. Consumer Safety Rules: Azerbaijan approved tighter import controls for non-food goods, requiring compliance documents to boost consumer protection.

Clean Energy Push: Azerbaijan is betting big on a clean energy boom as it moves beyond oil and gas toward more renewables, with World Bank support for grid upgrades and onshore wind expansion. EV Charging Growth: Anari Energy says its fast-charging network is now operating in Azerbaijan and other countries, marking continued EV infrastructure rollout across multiple regions. SCO Summit in Bishkek: Leaders from across the SCO—including Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev—are set to attend the September 1 summit, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres also expected. Trade Corridor Focus: Coverage highlights the “Middle Corridor” and related Eurasian connectivity efforts, with Azerbaijan positioned as a key link for faster, more reliable freight movement. Land & Climate Finance: UN desertification and land restoration updates underscore the push to restore degraded land and turn climate pledges into investable projects—relevant as Azerbaijan prepares for COP29 follow-through. Import Safety Rules: Azerbaijan approved tighter controls for imported non-food consumer goods, requiring conformity documents at customs from September 5 to protect consumer safety.

Consumer Safety & Trade Controls: Azerbaijan approved amendments tightening customs checks for imported non-food consumer goods, requiring conformity documents (certificates/declarations) before customs clearance, with the new rules starting Sept. 5 to block unsafe products. Climate Justice & Responsibility: A new commentary on “climate injustice” argues developing countries are pressured to cut fossil fuels faster despite having built wealth later, raising questions over who should move first and who pays. Land Restoration: UNCCD flagged land degradation as a livelihoods crisis, announcing World Restoration Flagships winners aiming to restore nearly 5 million hectares by 2030. Disaster Risk: Flooding tied to Nepal’s disaster response left China’s Tibet with rising deaths and hundreds missing, underscoring cross-border emergency preparedness. Weather Monitoring Tech: Europe’s Ariane 6 launched the MTG-I2 satellite to improve rapid detection of severe storms and lightning from space. Environmental Congress: Azerbaijan participated in Uzbekistan’s V International Environmental Congress, focused on protecting nature, rational resource use, and environmental education for youth.

Land Restoration & Desertification: UNCCD says degraded land and drought now threaten livelihoods for billions, highlighting World Restoration Flagships awards aimed at restoring nearly 5 million hectares by 2030. Wildlife & Water Risks: Flooding in China’s Tibet after Nepal’s heavy rains has killed at least five and left hundreds missing, with rescue and recovery efforts ongoing. Climate Finance to Projects: COP31’s action plan pushes a “Climate Implementation Bridge” to turn climate pledges into investable, bankable projects for mitigation and adaptation. Sustainable Transport & Borders: ADB approved a $400m facility to modernize border crossings across the CAREC region, aiming to cut logistics costs and improve movement of people and goods. Middle Corridor Efficiency: Transport experts warn the Trans-Caspian “Middle Corridor” must be treated as one reliable route, with faster transit depending on upgrades from ports to rail and border processes. Azerbaijan in Regional Connectivity: Azerbaijan’s trade shifts away from Russia are noted as partners like Georgia and Romania grow, while Middle Corridor links remain central to the country’s transit role. Energy & Environment Safety: Strait of Hormuz tanker strikes raise concerns for a key energy artery; reports say no environmental impact was recorded so far.

Climate Finance & COP31: COP31’s action plan adds a “Climate Implementation Bridge” to turn climate pledges into investable, scaled projects—aiming to help countries move from plans to bankable action. Trade & Environment Risk: Analysis of Azerbaijan’s Jan–Jul trade shows a shift in partners, with Russia’s sharp drop standing out—an economic signal that can also affect logistics, emissions, and environmental pressures. Borders, Bottlenecks & Public Health: The ADB approved a $400m CAREC facility to modernize border crossings, cutting delays while also targeting risks tied to trafficking, environmental issues, and public health. Water & Biodiversity: World Lake Day coverage highlights how pollution, overuse, and climate change are stressing lakes worldwide—relevant for Azerbaijan’s water security and ecosystems. Regional Energy Safety: Strait of Hormuz incidents (including a tanker fire after a projectile hit) underline ongoing risks to a key global energy corridor, with potential spill and habitat concerns. Azerbaijan Research Links: ASOIU expands green chemistry and industrial automation cooperation with Uzbek universities, supporting sustainable tech capacity. Land Restoration: A policy push argues land restoration must be treated as a strategic climate priority—because soil health underpins food, water, and resilience.