Azerbaijan to lead global sustainability efforts ahead of 2026 World Environment Day and Urban Forum

Azerbaijan has pledged to play a leading role in advancing international sustainability efforts as it prepares to host the 2026 World Environment Day and the 13th World Urban Forum in Baku.

The announcements were made during this year’s World Environment Day event held on Jeju Island, South Korea, under the theme “Beat Plastic Pollution.”

Speaking at the event, Azerbaijan’s Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Umayra Taghiyeva, emphasized her country’s growing influence in the global climate agenda. “Under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan successfully hosted COP29, one of the most important conferences under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change,” she noted.

Taghiyeva affirmed Azerbaijan’s commitment to continuing its COP29 presidency into 2025 and maintaining momentum on global climate action. “We are determined to continue what we have started — to raise climate ambitions and provide a platform for concrete action,” she said, highlighting initiatives such as the "Baku Climate Finance Goal" and cooperation under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.

She underscored the vital role cities play in achieving environmental targets: “COP29 underscores the importance of cities as drivers of climate action and as hubs for innovative environmental solutions.”

Taghiyeva also expressed appreciation for South Korea’s contributions to smart city development, saying, “It is a great honor for Azerbaijan to host World Environment Day in 2026 and to continue promoting this vital initiative.”

The 2026 World Environment Day in Baku will focus on climate change and is expected to reinforce the outcomes of COP29 while aligning with the goals of the World Urban Forum. Azerbaijan aims to use the opportunity to showcase sustainable urban solutions and share best practices with the international community, positioning itself as a regional leader in climate and environmental policy.

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