Azerbaijan Accelerates Green Transport and Smart City Transition, Says COP29 President

Key Takeaways

Azerbaijan is advancing sustainable transport and “smart cities” as part of its climate agenda.
Decisive steps, including expanding metro systems and introducing electric transportation, are essential for reducing emissions.
The Baku Declaration promotes international collaboration for sustainable urbanization across various sectors.

Azerbaijan’s Commitment to Sustainable Development

Azerbaijan is actively pursuing measures to promote sustainable transport and develop “smart cities,” as highlighted by COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev during the Baku Climate Action Week (BCAW2025). He underscored that as cities grow rapidly, there is a pressing need to adopt environmentally friendly mobility solutions. This includes reducing emissions and enhancing the use of green technologies.

Babayev pointed out that achieving the 1.5-degree climate goal requires significant advancements in the transport sector. Proposed initiatives include expanding the metro system, introducing electric buses, and enhancing cycling infrastructure. These efforts aim to decrease emissions, improve air quality, and create more livable urban spaces.

The country is already seeing the introduction of electric vehicles and buses utilizing alternative fuels. Additionally, the railway system is undergoing electrification while the metro network is being improved.

Special emphasis is placed on the Baku Master Plan, which aims to transform the city into a “green” capital through digital solutions designed to optimize traffic flows and mitigate congestion. Furthermore, new smart cities are being constructed in areas like Zangilan and Agdam, incorporating modern low-carbon development technologies.

Babayev also referenced the “Baku Declaration on Sustainable and Healthy Cities,” a significant agreement endorsed by over 50 nations and 100 cities. This declaration emphasizes the need for coordinated actions among governments, local authorities, and businesses across sectors such as transport, construction, finance, and healthcare.

In closing, Babayev articulated a vision for sustainable urbanization as a cornerstone of the climate agenda. He announced the formation of the Baku Coalition for Urban Climate Action, designed to keep this focus prominent in future climate discussions and initiatives.

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