Azerbaijan is once again at the centre of global climate diplomacy, hosting World Environment Day 2026 and bringing together international leaders, policymakers and organisations to address urgent environmental challenges.
Building on the legacy of COP29 and the World Urban Forum, the event reinforces Azerbaijan’s growing role in shaping global climate discussions. Held at the Heydar Aliyev Centre under the theme "Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future," the gathering reflects a renewed push for coordinated global action.
The high-level forum has drawn representatives from governments, the United Nations and civil society, with a shared focus on accelerating solutions to climate change and environmental degradation.
In remarks delivered by Mukhtar Babayev on behalf of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan highlighted both global and regional environmental concerns, with particular attention given to water scarcity and ecological changes in the Caspian region.
“Water scarcity constitutes a serious concern not only for Azerbaijan, but for the entire region. The decline in the level of the Caspian Sea, approaching historic minimum levels, is a clear indication of the severity of the problem,” Babayev said.
The address also underlined ongoing efforts to expand renewable energy and establish green energy zones in regions such as Garabagh and East Zangezur, signalling a shift towards sustainable development.
Discussions in Baku echoed broader global warnings about climate change. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for immediate reductions in carbon emissions, urging countries to accelerate the transition to renewable energy through practical and cost-effective measures.
The emphasis on urgency reflects growing recognition that climate risks are intensifying and require coordinated international responses.
Urban sustainability emerged as a key theme during the event. UN-Habitat Executive Director Anacláudia Rossbach stressed the importance of rethinking city planning to ensure resilience and environmental balance.
“Our cities must evolve in harmony with the natural systems that sustain life. We need a decisive shift toward inclusive, affordable, and climate-resilient homes for all, transforming our cities into engines of climate action,” she said.
Her remarks highlighted the growing role of cities as frontline actors in the fight against climate change, where infrastructure, housing and green spaces can directly shape environmental outcomes.
International officials also praised Azerbaijan’s role in advancing environmental initiatives. Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme, commended the country’s leadership in hosting major global events.
“This is a voice from Azerbaijan to the entire world: act for nature, act for climate, act now, and make sure that what we do today is good for tomorrow and the day after tomorrow,” Andersen said.
She described Azerbaijan’s contribution as an example of how national leadership can influence global climate action.
Participants at the forum emphasised that World Environment Day serves not only as a symbolic event but also as a platform for concrete commitments and international cooperation.
Sara Pavkov said the gathering in Baku brings together key stakeholders to define practical steps forward. She stressed the importance of translating dialogue into measurable action, particularly at a time when climate challenges continue to intensify.
As Azerbaijan builds on its recent role in hosting major international forums, the 2026 World Environment Day event reinforces the country’s ambition to serve as a hub for global environmental dialogue while advancing tangible solutions to one of the defining challenges of the 21st century.
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