Welcome to the United Nations
OWNERSHIP OF SDGs AND NATIONAL PRIORITIES
Azerbaijan's commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is deeply embedded within its national development agenda, notably outlined in the "Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for SocioEconomic Development" the country’s sustainable transformative long-term strategy. Key outcomes of Azerbaijan's socio-economic development model include the reconstruction and rehabilitation of its liberated territories, strengthening of economic capacity, and substantial enhancements in social well-being guided by Agenda 2030 principles.
LEAVING NO ONE BEHIND
Azerbaijan aspires to build a well-being society by pursuing sustainable growth drivers. Over the past decade, minimum wage increased almost 3 times, average monthly salary 2.0 times, minimum pension 2.4 times, while need criterion for granting targeted state social assistance to low-income households increased over 2.2 times. Focus on inclusive growth prominently features in “Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development” and "Strategy of Socio-Economic Development in 2022-2026" whereby a dynamic, inclusive society based on social justice is identified as one of the five priorities up to 2030.
SDG FINANCING
Azerbaijan has advanced on introduction of Integrated National Financing Framework (INFF) and SDG Investment Maps to scale up financing for SDG acceleration. The country embraces SDG investing as a powerful tool for driving positive social and environmental change while generating financial returns. Notably, the SDG tagging of state budget expenditures for 2022 showed that 82.3 % of the consolidated budget expenditures are aligned with national SDG goals and targets, constituting almost 23 % of GDP for the same year.
CLEAN ENVIRONMENT AND GREEN GROWTH COUNTRY
Environmental sustainability is nested as one of the five pillars of Azerbaijan's development strategy, underscoring the commitment to clean environment and green growth. Energy transition is central to the country’s green transformation agenda targeting to increase the share of renewable energy to 24% of the installed capacity for electricity generation by 2026, and to 30% by 2030. In line with its NDCs, Azerbaijan aims to achieve 40% reduction of GHG emissions by 2050 compared to 1990. The country announced a voluntary commitment to create a “Net Zero Emission” zone in the Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur regions liberated from 30 years of occupation.
COP29
The Government also recognizes the imperative of addressing global climate change through green technologies, transition to clean energy sources, and by changing the traditional linear model of production, consumption, waste to a circular model, which puts resource efficiency, recycling, and environmental regeneration at the center. Inspired to deliver on its commitment to sustainable development, Azerbaijan is preparing to successfully host the COP29 in 2024. In this endeavor, Azerbaijan intends to play a pivotal role facilitating global dialogue and collaboration on potential deliverables at COP29.
NATIONAL GOAL ON MINE ACTION: SDG 18
Azerbaijan ranks among the most mine-contaminated countries, as a result of nearly 30-year occupation of its territories by Armenia. Cities and villages were totally razed to ground, and the historical and cultural sites were destructed. Mine problem in Azerbaijan has additional adverse impact on environment. Initial estimates suggest that Armenia, during its occupation, planted over 1.5 million mines in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan. Recognizing the significant impact of mine contamination on the country's sustainable development, humanitarian demining has been formally designated as the 18th National SDG in Azerbaijan.
NEXT STEPS ON CHALLENGES
Economic Diversification and Well-being
Economic diversification and productivity gains are expected to accelerate sustainable and inclusive growth. Technology transfer and innovations, enhancing access to finance and entrepreneurship, better trade integration and diversification of exports, expanded investments in skills will remain priority going forward.
Climate Action
Advancements in energy transition, scaling up of green technologies, energy efficiency measures and transition to circular economy will be key. Understanding climate change vulnerabilities and adaptation needs is important, while climate finance will be an enabler.
Improving Data for Green Growth Monitoring and Reporting
Data collection and reporting on “green growth” indicators will be amplified for evidence-based decisionmaking and accountability on environmental sustainability.
SDG Financing
Efforts on the INFF will continue to expand domestic resource mobilization and effective use of budget resources. Building on SDG Investor map, innovative financing instruments will be promoted to encourage private sector investment in SDGs.
