On November 5, 2024, ADA University hosted a round table discussions on "Environmental safety in the South Caucasus ahead of COP29." The event was organized by the STEM Analytical Center in cooperation with the university's political club and brought together renowned experts, political scientists, high-ranking officials and members of the ADA Political Club, and the STEM Centre’s young analysts.   

The round table discussed key challenges and opportunities facing the South Caucasus in the context of climate change and sustainable development. The participants shared their views on how the region can adapt to environmental changes and what measures should be taken to achieve sustainable results.

In his welcoming speech, Orhan Yolchuyev, director of the STEM Center, stated that Azerbaijan is one of the leaders in green transformation, which also plays a huge role in solving environmental problems. "The availability of Green economic zones is also a priority for Azerbaijan",- he noted.

In his welcoming speech, Orhan Yolchuyev, director of the STEM Center, stated that Azerbaijan is one of the leaders in green transformation, which also plays a huge role in solving environmental problems. "The availability of Green economic zones is also a priority for Azerbaijan",- he noted.

In his speech, political scientist Ilgar Velizade touched upon the environmental problems in the Caspian Sea and the current situation of water resources in our country. The expert stated that the main transit rivers of Azerbaijan (Samur, Kura and Araz), and a significant part of their flow passes through the territory of neighboring states. Therefore, cooperation with other countries is of crucial importance on this issue.

"For example, 65% of Baku's drinking water comes from the Samur River, which originates in Russia. The share of the river used by Azerbaijan and Russia is divided equally according to the agreement, with 60% of the Samur riverbed located in Russia. If our relations with this country were strained, it would be extremely difficult to conclude such an agreement," he said. The political scientist drew attention to the fact that until 2020, 25% of our water resources were under the control of Armenia.

"The liberation of the territories allowed us to return some of our water sources. Reservoirs important for water supply, such as Takhtakorpu and Jeyranbatan, are of key importance for the economy. At the same time, 60% of Azerbaijan's territory is located between the Kura and Araz rivers, which are polluted by runoff from Georgia and Armenia, which causes serious environmental problems.",- he declared. 

Transport expert Rauf Agamirzoev spoke about the decarbonization of the Middle Corridor.  "Azerbaijan is an exemplary country on the Middle Corridor, as our railway is 100% fully electrified. The situation is different in other countries of the corridor, but all countries must work as a team on the path to green transformation." He also stated that in 2030-2040, it is planned that 80% of ships will operate with low emissions, and by 2050 they will reach zero emissions. 

Nargiz Mammadova, an expert on international relations and an analyst at the STEM Center, spoke about the problems of urbanization and its environmental consequences. "Joint efforts by countries to combat environmental problems can yield long-term results," she said. The expert added that holding COP29 in Azerbaijan would be an ideal platform for solving global environmental problems. 

Leading Analyst at the Center for International Relations (AIR Centre) In her speech, Rosa Bayramli stated  that by adopting COP29, Azerbaijan not only demonstrates its own efforts to combat climate change, but also provides a platform for global dialogue and cooperation. "The focus on climate finance, transparency, and support for vulnerable countries underscores the need for a unified approach to addressing climate change," she said.

Political scientist Orkhan Nabiyev approached the issue of environmental safety from the point of view of the theory of constructivism. In his speech, he also focused on the dynamics of environmental diplomacy. "Azerbaijan's ambitions go beyond individual projects and encompass comprehensive regional strategies. The development of green energy corridors such as the Caspian-Black Sea-Europe corridor underscores Azerbaijan's commitment to promoting renewable energy flows that enhance Europe's energy security and diversification.",- he declared. 

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Doctor of Law Namik Aliyev touched upon the legal aspects of environmental safety. "Environmental issues and their legal aspects, especially in the context of the restoration of previously occupied territories, are an extremely relevant and multifaceted topic.",- said Namik Aliyev. He added that mine clearance is regulated by the provisions of the Ottawa Convention, adopted in 1997, which prohibits the use of anti-personnel mines. In accordance with this convention, Azerbaijan demanded maps of minefields from Armenia, but the Armenian side claims that there are no such maps, although not a single Armenian soldier has been blown up by a mine, which raises doubts about the authenticity of their words.
Therefore, following the results of this event, an online collection of articles will be released on the main environmental issues of our region soon.