Event on clean energy innovation and regional cooperation held in Baku

Within the framework of Baku Energy Week 2026, a special session on Clean Energy Innovation and Regional Cooperation: Scaling Solutions for a Sustainable Future was jointly organized by the Economic Cooperation Organization Clean Energy Center (CECECO) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) at the Baku Congress Center.

The session emphasized the importance of enabling ecosystems, financing mechanisms, and regional cooperation for effectively scaling clean energy innovations. Discussions focused on stronger regional cooperation, supportive policies, and increased access to financial resources.

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Delivering the opening remarks, Ms. Aysel Yagubova, Executive Director of CECECO, highlighted that scaling clean energy innovations requires an enabling policy environment, access to financial resources, and strong regional partnerships. She noted that the session would discuss efforts aimed at strengthening cooperation among relevant stakeholders and supporting the green energy transition across the region.

Mr. Francesco La Camera, Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), shared global perspectives on clean energy innovation, investment needs, and emerging technologies. Dr. Elnur Soltanov, Deputy Minister of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, presented the country’s strategic vision for the clean energy sector, as well as initiatives being implemented to advance renewable energy development and regional cooperation.

The panel discussion, moderated by Mr. Fariz Ismayilzade, Vice Rector of ADA University and Member of the Milli Majlis, explored ways of transforming innovations into concrete and investment-attractive projects. Representatives of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, SOCAR Green, bp Azerbaijan, UNIDO, and the Asian Development Bank shared the experiences of their respective countries and organizations, successful projects implemented in this field, and innovative solutions applied to emerging challenges.

The session concluded with a question-and-answer segment, interactive discussions with the audience, and closing remarks by the moderator.