Azerbaijan emerges as key hub for D-8 cooperation on energy, climate and sustainable urban development
Celina Ali
Islamabad: Azerbaijan has strengthened its position as a leading platform for multilateral cooperation within the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, hosting a series of high-level engagements focused on sustainable urban development, renewable energy and climate resilience during the first official visit of D-8 Secretary-General Ambassador Sohail Mahmood to the country.
The visit, undertaken at the invitation of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, highlighted Baku’s growing role in shaping the future agenda of the D-8 bloc and advancing regional cooperation on some of the most pressing development challenges facing member states.
Held from May 17 to 20, the visit coincided with the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) and the D-8 High-Level Energy and Urban Dialogue, bringing together policymakers, ministers, urban planners, climate experts and development practitioners from across the world.
A major focus of the visit was Azerbaijan’s expanding international profile as a host of global dialogue on climate action and sustainable development. The successful organization of WUF13, jointly hosted by the Government of Azerbaijan and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, followed the country’s hosting of COP29 and further reinforced Baku’s emergence as a significant venue for international discussions on urban transformation, environmental sustainability and economic resilience.
The World Urban Forum, held under the theme “Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities,” attracted more than 40,000 participants, including heads of state, ministers, mayors, urban development specialists and representatives of international organizations. Discussions focused on addressing rapid urbanization, improving housing accessibility and strengthening the resilience of cities in the face of climate-related challenges.
On the sidelines of the forum, the D-8 Secretariat organized a High-Level Energy and Urban Dialogue at the Azerbaijan Pavilion under the theme “Powering Sustainable Cities in the D-8 Region: Aligning Energy Transitions with Urban Development Agendas.” The event brought together senior government officials, experts and development partners to explore how renewable energy and sustainable urban planning can jointly contribute to long-term economic growth and environmental sustainability.
In his keynote address, D-8 Secretary-General Sohail Mahmood emphasized that urbanization and energy transition must be treated as interconnected policy priorities rather than separate development challenges.
He noted that cities generate more than 80 percent of global economic output while accounting for nearly 70 percent of global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. These realities, he said, make sustainable urban planning and clean energy transitions essential components of future development strategies.
Highlighting the collective potential of D-8 member states, Ambassador Mahmood pointed to the bloc’s combined population of approximately 1.28 billion people and an economy exceeding $5 trillion. He said these strengths provide a strong foundation for developing innovative solutions in renewable energy, smart infrastructure, connectivity and climate adaptation.
The secretary-general stressed the importance of addressing financing gaps that continue to constrain climate-smart infrastructure projects in developing countries. He called for enhanced access to concessional financing, technology transfer and equitable international partnerships to support sustainable development efforts across the Global South.
He further argued that any transition toward cleaner energy systems must remain people-centred, ensuring that urban youth, low-income communities and vulnerable populations benefit from emerging economic opportunities through green jobs, inclusive services and improved quality of life.
To accelerate cooperation among member countries, Ambassador Mahmood proposed a five-point framework focusing on integrated urban-energy planning, digital governance, stronger South-South cooperation, investment in climate-resilient infrastructure and coordinated engagement at international forums.
He also suggested launching initiatives such as “Sustainable D-8 City of the Year,” “D-8 Green Capital” and “D-8 Clean Energy Capital” to encourage innovation, showcase successful models and promote healthy competition among member states in advancing sustainability goals.
One of the most significant outcomes of the visit was progress toward operationalizing three D-8 Centres of Excellence in Baku dedicated to Energy and Climate, Transport and Media. These institutions are expected to become important platforms for policy research, technical cooperation, knowledge sharing and capacity-building among D-8 countries.
Officials said the centres would facilitate collaboration on renewable energy development, regional connectivity, climate resilience, sustainable transport systems and media cooperation while strengthening institutional links among member states.
During his stay, Ambassador Mahmood held a series of high-level meetings with senior Azerbaijani leaders aimed at advancing the strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and the D-8 organization.
In discussions with Hikmat Hajiyev, the two sides reviewed Azerbaijan’s expanding role within the organization and explored future priorities for enhancing D-8 cooperation.
The secretary-general also met Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov to discuss preparations for the upcoming D-8 Summit in Jakarta, institutional reforms and measures to strengthen the organizational and financial capacity of the D-8 Secretariat.
Talks additionally covered Azerbaijan’s participation in key D-8 legal frameworks and mechanisms designed to deepen economic and technical cooperation among member countries.
In a separate meeting with Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov, discussions focused on the proposed D-8 Energy and Climate Centre and preparations for the first meeting of D-8 Energy Ministers. The two sides explored opportunities for cooperation in renewable energy investment, energy security, climate resilience and sustainable financing.
Ambassador Mahmood also met Ahmad Ismayilov, Executive Director of Azerbaijan’s Media Development Agency, to discuss the establishment of the Media Excellence Centre and avenues for strengthening media cooperation among D-8 member states through professional exchanges, media literacy initiatives and collaborative communication platforms.
According to the D-8 Secretariat, the visit reflected the strategic importance Azerbaijan attaches to its membership of the organization and demonstrated the country’s growing contribution to advancing D-8 initiatives.
The engagements in Baku also showcased a shared determination among member states to pursue practical cooperation in clean energy, sustainable urbanization and climate resilience while building stronger institutional mechanisms capable of supporting long-term economic development across the D-8 region.
As the organization seeks to enhance its global relevance and respond to emerging development challenges, Azerbaijan’s expanding role within the D-8 framework is increasingly positioning the country as a key centre for regional cooperation, innovation and sustainable growth.