On June 5, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, met with the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Inger Andersen.
According to the information provided to elchi by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the parties exchanged views on the cooperation agenda between Azerbaijan and UNEP, environmental protection, combating climate change, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development issues.
Minister Jeyhun Bayramov provided information on Azerbaijan’s contributions to global climate action, the results achieved within the framework of COP29 hosted by our country, as well as initiatives implemented in the direction of green energy transition and environmental protection.
UNEP head Inger Andersen highly appreciated Azerbaijan’s contributions to advancing the climate agenda, promoting international cooperation, and supporting multilateral efforts in the environmental field.
The parties discussed opportunities for cooperation in areas such as promoting the COP29 legacy, climate finance, sustainable cities, waste management, water resource conservation, and biodiversity. The importance of expanding joint projects and practical cooperation between UNEP and Azerbaijan was emphasized.
During the meeting, the significance of Azerbaijan hosting World Environment Day in 2026 was also noted, and issues of mutual cooperation in this context were reviewed.
Minister Jeyhun Bayramov informed about the serious environmental damage caused to Azerbaijani territories during the occupation, including mass deforestation, illegal exploitation of natural resources, pollution of water resources, and the disruption of ecological balance. In addition, the obstacles posed by the landmine threat to human safety, the environment, and the reconstruction process were highlighted.
Minister Jeyhun Bayramov expressed his concern regarding the decline in the level of the Caspian Sea, drawing attention to the negative impacts of this process on the region’s ecosystem, biodiversity, coastal areas, and economic activities. He emphasized the importance of strengthening regional and international cooperation, applying science-based approaches, and joint efforts to address this problem. The benefits of the report titled “Caspian Sea Level Fluctuations and Climate Change” prepared by UNEP were noted.
The parties also exchanged views on other regional and international issues of mutual interest.