2026 High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development

Statement by Fariz Rzayev
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan

13 July 2026

Excellencies,

Distinguished delegates,

It is an honour to address the High-level Political Forum on behalf of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

With less than five years remaining until 2030, the international community faces a sobering reality: progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals remains uneven and insufficient. Multiple and overlapping crises—from climate change and economic uncertainty to conflicts and growing inequalities—continue to slow implementation. More than ever, we need stronger multilateral cooperation, renewed political commitment and practical solutions that place sustainable development at the center of national and international policymaking.

Despite these global challenges, Azerbaijan remains firmly committed to the 2030 Agenda.

Sustainable development is fully integrated into our national planning through the Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development, which provides a comprehensive roadmap for building a competitive economy, an inclusive society, human capital, a clean environment and green growth.

Azerbaijan has consistently demonstrated its commitment to transparency and accountability by presenting four Voluntary National Reports (VNR) —in 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2024. Building on this record, I am pleased to reaffirm our intention to present Azerbaijan's fifth VNR next year.

In recent years, Azerbaijan has maintained macroeconomic stability, strengthened social protection, expanded digital public services, modernized transport and energy infrastructure and accelerated investments in renewable energy. These achievements have enhanced national resilience while contributing directly to the implementation of multiple Sustainable Development Goals.

For Azerbaijan, sustainable development does also mean addressing the long-term consequences of the former conflict.

Following the restoration of its territorial integrity, Azerbaijan launched one of the world's largest post-conflict reconstruction and recovery operations. Through the Great Return Program, liberated territories are being transformed into smart, green and sustainable cities and villages, equipped with modern infrastructure, renewable energy, digital technologies and climate-resilient public services. Thousands of former internally displaced persons are gradually returning to their homes, restoring communities, livelihoods and economic activity.

This comprehensive effort advances several Sustainable Development Goals simultaneously, including those related to poverty reduction, infrastructure, sustainable cities, decent work and environmental sustainability.

A prerequisite for this transformation is humanitarian demining.

Recognizing its fundamental role in sustainable recovery, in 2023 Azerbaijan declared mine action as its 18th national Sustainable Development Goal. For us, demining is not merely a humanitarian necessity—it is an essential condition for safe return, agricultural development, environmental restoration, infrastructure rehabilitation and sustainable economic growth. We believe that mine action deserves greater international recognition as an integral component of sustainable development.

Excellencies,

Azerbaijan also believes that advancing the SDGs requires countries not only to deliver nationally but also to contribute globally.

As the Presidency of COP29, Azerbaijan worked to strengthen the link between climate action and sustainable development. The adoption of the new climate finance goal to mobilize at least 300 billion US dollars annually for developing countries by 2035, together with the Baku Roadmap towards scaling up climate finance to 1.3 trillion dollars, demonstrated that ambitious climate action and sustainable development must progress hand in hand.

Earlier this year, Azerbaijan hosted the thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum, bringing together more than 57,000 participants from 176 countries to advance international cooperation on sustainable urbanization, housing and resilient cities. Through the Baku Call to Action and the Baku Urban Award, we remain committed to translating dialogue into practical implementation.

Beyond these global platforms, Azerbaijan continues to support sustainable development through humanitarian assistance, technical cooperation, capacity-building and educational initiatives, including through the Azerbaijan International Development Agency. We also contribute to stronger regional connectivity through transport, energy and digital infrastructure that promote inclusive growth and sustainable partnerships across regions.

Excellencies,

The remaining years until 2030 require us to move decisively from commitments to implementation. Azerbaijan stands ready to work with all partners to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, strengthen multilateral cooperation and build a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable future for all.

Thank you.