Thematic Focus: “New ECO Vision for a Sustainable and Climate Resilient Future”
The overarching theme of the summit reflected a clear shift toward future-oriented policymaking, addressing pressing challenges such as climate change, energy transition, and the need for regional self-reliance.
In his keynote address, President Ilham Aliyev emphasized that sustainable development and regional connectivity must go hand-in-hand. He reiterated Azerbaijan’s readiness to share its post-conflict reconstruction model with ECO countries, particularly in areas like smart agriculture, green energy, and transportation infrastructure.
Member states broadly endorsed a green transformation agenda, calling for enhanced investments in renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, low-carbon infrastructure, and eco-tourism. The summit declaration encouraged governments to align their national development strategies with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goals 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and 13 (Climate Action).
ECO Week: Multi-Stakeholder Dialogues Across Karabakh
Complementing the summit itself were a series of impactful events during ECO Week that brought together voices from civil society, the private sector, and youth organizations.
1. ECO Youth Forum – Aghdam, July 1, 2025
The city of Aghdam, once a symbol of war-torn devastation, hosted the ECO Youth Forum under the theme: “Enhancing the Role of Youth for Building a Sustainable and Climate Resilient Future.” Young leaders from across the ECO region engaged in dialogue with policymakers, focusing on entrepreneurship, digital innovation, climate advocacy, and peacebuilding.
Workshops on “Green Startups,” “Digital Skills for Sustainable Innovation,” and “Cross-Border Youth Exchange” culminated in a Youth Declaration urging greater youth participation in national climate strategies.