Baku, September 29, 2025
The global shift toward clean energy must be carefully balanced with the national priorities of individual countries, Azerbaijan’s Deputy Energy Minister and COP29 Executive Director Elnur Soltanov said at Baku Climate Week.
“This is an intergovernmental process, and geopolitics always involves delicate mechanisms,” Soltanov noted. “But ultimately, it comes down to society’s choice – especially that of young people and children.”
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He emphasized that governments naturally act in their own interests, which means the green transition must overlap with national agendas. “Fortunately, in many cases, the green transition serves national interests, whether through technological innovation, economic contributions, or, for some, energy security. Overall, there is significant compatibility between global goals and local priorities,” he said.
Soltanov added that no government can move fast enough on its own to achieve climate goals.
“The main target is net zero by 2050 and limiting warming to 1.5 degrees. Governments must unlock the potential of the private sector. There is no other way.”
