On July 30, 2024, a roundtable on “Sustainable Green Construction in Azerbaijan” was held, bringing together local and international construction companies as well as relevant government agencies. The event aimed to create a collaboration platform for the transition to sustainable and zero-carbon construction, considering the environmental impact of the construction sector. Discussions focused on international opportunities for decarbonization, the ecological benefits of low-emission construction materials, potential challenges, and ongoing and planned initiatives to promote sustainable development and combat climate change.

The roundtable was attended by Muxtar Babayev, COP29-designated President, Anar Quliyev, Chairman of the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture, Nigar Arpadarai, COP29 High-Level Climate Champion, representatives from the UN, World Bank, and International Finance Corporation, and executives from prominent local and global construction companies.

Opening the event, Nigar Arpadarai emphasized the vital role of the private sector in driving change in the construction industry and highlighted COP29’s commitment to supporting local businesses in their decarbonization efforts. COP29 President Muxtar Babayev praised the participation of construction sector representatives in supporting national climate initiatives and encouraged entrepreneurs to contribute to the promotion of sustainable green construction in Azerbaijan.

Anar Quliyev highlighted the restoration of liberated territories such as Karabakh and East Zangezur, as well as the declaration of Nakhchivan as a green energy zone, noting the application of “smart city” and “smart village” innovations and the restoration of ecosystems. Participants affirmed their support for limiting the country’s carbon emissions in line with the 1.5°C goal and acknowledged the construction sector’s role in improving energy efficiency, committing to contribute to these efforts.

Within the roundtable, representatives from PMD Group, the Reconstruction, Construction, and Management Services of Agdam, Fuzuli, and Khojavend, Paşa Real Estate Group, “6th Floor”, Aral Group, Hünər Group, SR Construction, Kristal Absheron, and Baku City Residence signed the Declaration on Sustainable Green Construction in Azerbaijan. The declaration outlines commitments to promote decarbonization targets, measure and report emissions, ensure transparency and cooperation, exchange knowledge and best practices, and integrate climate action into business models, focusing on collective action to achieve global decarbonization goals.