BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 9. Azerbaijan's transition to a green economy is a crucial element of its sustainable development and is reflected in the ongoing socio-economic reforms, president of COP29, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan Mukhtar Babayev stated at a conference, TurkicWorld reports.
Babayev highlighted the importance of this shift speaking at "The Role of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the Green Economy" conference in Baku, organized by the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBIA) with support from the ministries of Economy, Ecology, and Natural Resources.
"According to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Azerbaijan has made significant progress in expanding renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and other climate-related issues," Babayev stated.
He drove home the point that sustainable development and environmental protection are among the top priorities outlined in Azerbaijan's National Priorities until 2030. This document includes specific ecological targets such as hitting the ground running with a green economy, keeping a tight ship with natural resource management, cutting down on carbon emissions, rolling with the punches of climate change, and kicking it up a notch with energy efficiency.
"UN statistics show that SMEs account for a significant portion of global employment. They play a critical role in creating jobs for women, youth, and vulnerable social groups. However, SME activities also contribute notably to carbon dioxide emissions. Therefore, improving their environmental performance has great potential in combating climate change," he added.
He pointed out the 12th SDG – "Responsible Consumption and Production," stressing the importance of adopting clean and efficient production methods.
"By adhering to this objective, we can mitigate environmental risks and promote more responsible resource utilization.
Today, transitioning to an economically sustainable, clean, and healthy future is one of the most pressing challenges and, at the same time, a significant responsibility for society. Amid global environmental pollution, dwindling natural resources, and growing demand, the shift to a green economy is crucial for achieving sustainable development," Babayev concluded.
