Developing the Middle Corridor as a “green corridor” creates an important opportunity for Azerbaijan, Deputy Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Dmitry Mariyasin said at a roundtable held in Baku as part of the Fourth Climate Week of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), hosted by the Republic of Azerbaijan and organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, APA reports.
He noted that not only car manufacturers and mobility companies, but also the technology sector will play an important role in shaping future transport systems: “As the Middle Corridor is developed as a green corridor, key terminals and other infrastructure facilities should be built with climate factors taken into account from the design stage.
“This should not simply be a ‘nice to have’ approach. The goal should be to make the Middle Corridor more competitive and efficient and, ultimately, improve the financial performance of the companies operating here.”
Mariyasin pointed out that climate change is already having a direct impact on business activities. According to him, the operations of electricity, oil, and telecommunications companies are changing amid increasing disruptions caused by climate-related disasters.
He noted that adaptation financing, insurance mechanisms, and the expansion of bond markets in developing countries are important for the private sector’s adaptation to climate change.
The UNECE official also said that companies should view climate targets not only as commitments but also as business opportunities.
“Every company around the world should look at these targets and see business opportunities in them. These are investment projects waiting to be structured and de-risked,” Mariyasin said.
According to him, the public sector, governments, and UN agencies can help reduce risks for the private sector by providing more predictable regulation, equal access to data, and high-quality information for projects.
Mariyasin described energy efficiency as one of the biggest and simplest opportunities for businesses. He said improving companies’ energy efficiency has a positive impact on both financial performance and environmental protection.
The UNECE official identified reducing methane emissions as one of the key areas for oil and gas companies. He noted that SOCAR, alongside other leading oil companies, is taking concrete steps to reduce methane emissions.
Mariyasin also spoke about the importance of strategic environmental assessment. According to him, businesses sometimes perceive this mechanism as an additional “filter” imposed on a project.
“In fact, it is not a filter. It is a tool that enhances a project’s competitiveness,” he emphasized.
Noting that Azerbaijan is one of the countries demonstrating leadership in this area, he called on companies to apply the principles of strategic environmental assessment when planning projects and to consider the relevant issues in advance.
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