Baku: The opening ceremony of the international conference on the ‘Role of Universities in Green Energy and Sustainability’ took place at ADA University, marking its role as the Chair of the Coordination Council of the CICA Partnership Network of Leading Universities (PNLU). Co-organized by ADA University, the Institute for Development and Diplomacy (IDD), the Azerbaijan International Development Agency (AIDA), and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), the event gathered over 50 professors, researchers, and university representatives from 21 member countries.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the two-day conference aims to explore the role of universities in enhancing energy efficiency, implementing green technologies, and fostering regional cooperation in sustainability. It also focuses on innovative approaches in renewable energy and energy efficiency, serving as a platform for new partnership initiatives and joint projects among universities within the CICA framework.
During the opening ceremony, Fariz Ismailzade, ADA Vice Rector and Member of Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis, emphasized the critical role universities play in the field of green energy. Zhang Ling, Deputy Secretary General of CICA, highlighted a new initiative on university cooperation that emerged under Azerbaijan’s chairmanship. Deputy Foreign Minister Yalchin Rafiyev, who is also COP29 Lead Negotiator, noted the significant steps taken during Azerbaijan’s leadership of CICA, including the establishment of the Women Council and Finance Summit, which aim to deepen cooperation within the organization.
Speakers at the conference underscored the increasing importance of higher education in combating climate change, the necessity of regional solidarity, and the accomplishments within the COP29 framework. Additionally, a joint research project titled ‘Green and Sustainable Recovery: Azerbaijan Experience’ was presented by the State Committee for Refugees and IDPs of the Republic of Azerbaijan and ADA University, scheduled to begin in September 2025.
The panel discussion featured Shamkhal Mukhtarov and Nargiz Garajayeva, advisors to the Special Representative Office of the President of Azerbaijan, who provided insights into sustainable development efforts in liberated territories, the “smart village” concept, and ecological restoration initiatives.