No:244/26, Press release on the meeting of Minister Jeyhun Bayramov with Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Inger Andersen
05 June 2026 19:01
On 5 June, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov met with Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Inger Andersen.
During the meeting, an exchange of views was conducted on the cooperation agenda between Azerbaijan and UNEP, environmental protection, combating climate change, protection of biodiversity and sustainable development issues.
Minister Jeyhun Bayramov provided information about Azerbaijan’s contributions to global climate action, the outcomes achieved within the framework of COP29 hosted by our country, as well as the initiatives implemented in the fields of green energy transition and environmental protection. UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen highly appreciated Azerbaijan’s contributions to advancing the climate agenda, promoting international cooperation and multilateral efforts in the field of environment.
The sides discussed opportunities for cooperation in the areas of promoting the COP29 legacy, climate financing, sustainable cities, waste management, protection of water resources and biodiversity. The importance of expanding joint projects and practical cooperation between UNEP and Azerbaijan was emphasized.
During the meeting, the importance of Azerbaijan’s hosting of World Environment Day in 2026 was also noted, and issues of mutual engagement in this regard were reviewed.
Minister Jeyhun Bayramov provided information about the serious damage caused to the environment in the territories of Azerbaijan during the occupation period, including mass deforestation, illegal exploitation of natural resources, pollution of water resources and disruption of ecological balance. At the same time, the obstacles posed by the mine threat to people’s safety, the environment and the restoration and reconstruction process were emphasized.
Minister Jeyhun Bayramov expressed concern over the decline in the level of the Caspian Sea and highlighted the negative impacts of this process on the region’s ecosystem, biodiversity, coastal areas and economic activity. He emphasized the importance of strengthening regional and international cooperation, applying science-based approaches and joint efforts towards addressing the said problem. The benefits of the report prepared by UNEP entitled “Caspian Sea Level Fluctuations and Climate Change” were noted.
The sides also conducted an exchange of views on other regional and international issues of mutual interest.
