Baku: 'Climate action is no longer only an environmental issue; it has become an important part of the business agenda,' UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan Dmytro Shlapachenko stated at a roundtable event in Baku during the Fourth Climate Week of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The event was hosted by the Republic of Azerbaijan and organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

According to Azeri-Press news agency, Shlapachenko emphasized that the shift towards a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy is transforming global markets. This transformation influences investment choices, supply chain configurations, and consumer preferences. He noted that companies proactively addressing climate issues are more likely to attract investment, boost efficiency, mitigate risks, penetrate new markets, and enhance their long-term competitiveness.

For Azerbaijan, Shlapachenko stressed that the green transition presents substantial opportunities. Achieving the nation's objectives related to economic diversification, green growth, and sustainable development necessitates a robust partnership with the private sector. He highlighted that government efforts alone are insufficient to meet the needed scale and speed, and businesses play a crucial role in investment, innovation, responsible operations, job creation, and transforming value chains.

Shlapachenko also remarked on the increasing economic efficiency of green energy. He announced plans to expand collaboration with the private sector as part of Azerbaijan's new UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for 2026-2030. The UN Global Compact Country Network in Azerbaijan currently includes 62 companies, with ambitions to engage more business leaders in the future. He concluded by asserting that climate action and competitiveness are no longer separate concepts but are increasingly becoming synonymous.