Azerbaijan hosts Ministerial Meeting on SPECA climate and innovation dialogue at COP29

By Akbar Novruz

Within the COP29 framework in Azerbaijan, a Ministerial Meeting on the SPECA Climate and Innovation Dialogue took place, highlighting the role of SPECA (Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia) in regional climate cooperation.

Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov emphasized SPECA’s value and noted that it had become a vital platform fostering economic growth, environmental sustainability, and innovation among participating countries.

“Our countries are strengthening their economies with the support of SPECA, as well as building a future-ready for the challenges of climate change,” he remarked.

The dialogue aims to help SPECA member states achieve the goals set by the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Jabbarov explained that through the exchange of knowledge and expertise, regional nations can formulate strategies addressing climate change’s social, environmental, and economic impacts. The initiative will particularly focus on boosting low-carbon transitions, renewable energy, energy efficiency, and the shift toward a circular economy.

The SPECA Multilateral Trust Fund, discussed during the event, was presented as a flexible mechanism for tackling shared issues like climate change, sustainable development, and economic integration. Armida Salsiya Alishahbana, Executive Secretary of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), and Tatiana Molchan, Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), underlined the significance of regional cooperation for impactful climate action. They noted that the SPECA Dialogue could enhance innovation and sustainability efforts, highlighting that “effective use of innovation is crucial for impactful climate action, sustainability, and prosperity.”

The Deputy Ministers from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan also spoke, underscoring the importance of regional and international collaboration for climate resilience. The event concluded with the signing of the Baku Joint Ministerial Statement on establishing the SPECA Climate and Innovation Dialogue, alongside the official announcement of the Dialogue’s and the Trust Fund’s launch.