Antalya, The Europe Today: Azerbaijan is represented at COP31 in Türkiye’s Antalya province with a national pavilion built around the concept of the “Corridor of Dialogue.” Delegations from nearly 200 countries are taking part in the conference, which is hosted by Türkiye, with Australia presiding over the negotiation process.
Presenting Azerbaijan as a key hub for both green energy infrastructure and international dialogue, the Azerbaijan pavilion at COP31 will host more than 40 events, discussions and meetings over the two weeks of the conference.
From Baku and Belém to Antalya
The pavilion continues Azerbaijan’s tradition of providing platforms for international dialogue and cooperation. Presented as the “House of Solidarity” at COP29 in Baku and the “Hall of Legacy” at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, this approach takes on a new dimension in Antalya, where the focus is primarily on translating agreements into concrete results and practical cooperation through dialogue.
The pavilion has been established through the joint efforts of the Heydar Aliyev Center and the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Green Energy Corridors and Clean Energy Infrastructure
The “Corridor of Dialogue” concept encompasses two complementary main areas. The first focuses on physical connectivity and energy infrastructure. Strategically positioned between Central Asia’s abundant renewable energy resources and Europe’s growing energy demand, Azerbaijan is currently working to develop four green energy corridors. The pavilion’s “Green Energy Corridors” exhibition provides visitors with detailed information about these routes and the progress made in their implementation.
These initiatives are underpinned by the clean energy infrastructure Azerbaijan is expanding across the country, including wind and solar energy projects and the country’s first grid-scale battery-based energy storage system. The use of renewable energy in Garabagh and East Zangezur, which have been declared a “Green Energy Zone,” also contributes to the sustainable development of these regions. Visitors can learn about Azerbaijan’s renewable energy potential and targets, newly implemented projects and their integration into the national electricity grid.
International Partnerships for Climate Action
The second area of the concept focuses on international dialogue and partnerships. Azerbaijan is advancing energy interconnections, its broader climate action agenda and its transition to clean energy through cooperation with governments, financial institutions and private companies. The pavilion showcases the country’s partnerships with prominent companies and organisations, including Masdar, ACWA Power, bp, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Spotlight on the Caspian Sea
This approach is also reflected in efforts to protect the Caspian Sea, which Azerbaijan shares with four other littoral states. A dedicated exhibition provides information on fluctuations in the sea’s water level, its rich biodiversity and the endangered Caspian seal, and highlights practical joint measures undertaken by the five littoral countries to protect the marine ecosystem. Visitors can also trace Azerbaijan’s progress in climate action from the adoption of the Paris Agreement to the present day.
Covering a total area of 244 square metres, the pavilion features a conference hall and meeting rooms alongside its exhibition space. Guests are welcomed with traditional Azerbaijani tea served by “Azerchay.” For the first time, the pavilion has also introduced an official mascot. Representing the endangered Caspian seal, the mascot aims to draw the international community’s attention to the threats facing this rare species.
More Than 40 Events Over Two Weeks
Particular emphasis in the pavilion’s programme is placed on continuing the legacy of the COP29 Presidency and advancing the initiatives launched in Baku. The more than 40 events, discussions and meetings will bring together representatives of governments, international organisations, financial institutions, the business community and civil society.
Discussions will cover a wide range of issues, including protection of the Caspian Sea and cooperation in water resources management, reconstruction and sustainable urban development, private sector financing and investment opportunities, youth and women’s participation in climate action, and early warning systems and climate change adaptation.
Non-governmental organisations, including the IDEA (International Dialogue for Environmental Action) Public Union, will also play an active role in the pavilion’s activities, with particular attention to digital solutions that strengthen climate resilience, promote clean air and healthy urban environments, protect the Caspian Sea and conserve nature through the engagement of local communities.
Azerbaijan–Türkiye Brotherhood
Azerbaijan’s active participation in COP31 is a further manifestation of the strong ties of friendship and brotherhood between Azerbaijan and Türkiye. At the official opening ceremony of COP31, COP31 President and Türkiye’s Minister of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change Murat Kurum, together with COP30 President André Corrêa do Lago, expressed their gratitude to Azerbaijan for its contributions to and support for international climate cooperation.
