Statement at the ECOSOC Special meeting on  “Safeguarding energy and supply flows: Supporting global development through international cooperation”

delivered by Ms. Husniyya Mammadova, Counsellor

ECOSOC Chamber, UNHQ, 15 April 2026

Mr. President,

Thank you for convening today’s meeting.  The growing volatility in global energy markets has once again underscored the strategic importance of energy security, diversification and resilient infrastructure. Disruptions in supply chains, price fluctuations and rising global demand continue to impact development negatively, while placing significant pressure on energy systems.

As a responsible energy producer and a committed member of the OPEC Plus framework, Azerbaijan supports balanced and predictable energy markets. Excessive volatility benefits neither producers nor consumers and creates uncertainty for the global economy.

The world continues to rely heavily on hydrocarbons, which still account for around 80% of global energy consumption. At the same time, the rapid expansion of AI, digitalization and data centers is accelerating global electricity demand at an unprecedented pace. This means that the need for and diversified energy sources, reliable supply routes and modern infrastructure will continue to grow in the years ahead.

We believe that future energy policy should be guided by balance between energy security, affordability and sustainability. Renewable energy is expanding rapidly and plays an increasingly important role. However, the global energy transition should be understood not as a process of replacement, but rather one of addition, where renewables complement each other in meeting growing global demand.

At the same time, investments in power grids, smart transmission systems and storage technologies are becoming critically important. Without resilient grids and infrastructure, it will not be possible to ensure either energy security or a successful green transition.

Azerbaijan has consistently pursued balanced and pragmatic energy strategy based on diversification, reliability and long-term partnerships. We are also actively advancing our green energy agenda and implementing plans to develop 8 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity for domestic use, exports and future data center demand.

Building on the success of major strategic projects such as the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan pipeline and the Southern Gas Corridor, Azerbaijan is now spearheading a new generation of green energy interconnectors linking the Caspian region, Central Asia, Türkiye and Europe.

Through initiatives such as the Caspian-Black Sea-Europe corridor, the Azerbaijan-Türkiye-Europe Green Energy Corridor, and the Trans-Caspian projects, we are helping establish a diversified transcontinental energy and digital connectivity bridge. Together with fiber-optic infrastructure and the development of the Middle Corridor, these projects will strengthen regional connectivity, support Europe’s energy diversification efforts, and establish a reliable bridge for both electricity and digital connectivity.

Azerbaijan remains committed to contributing to global energy security through reliable supply, diversified infrastructure, balanced energy policies and enhanced regional cooperation.

Thank you.