Baku: Azerbaijan is stepping into a decisive decade of development. During this period, green growth, energy transition, and climate resilience have become the country’s national strategic priorities, said Sunniya Durrani Jamal, ADB’s Country Director for Azerbaijan, at the presentation of the decarbonization project within the framework of the partnership between ‘Azerbaijan Railways’ CJSC (ADY) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, these issues have gained even more prominence after Azerbaijan hosted COP29. The updated climate commitments, emission reduction targets, and the expression of the country’s desire to be a regional leader in green mobility send a clear and strong message to the countries of the region. Sunniya Durrani-Camal emphasized that the seminar is not just a technical discussion but a part of Azerbaijan’s journey towards leading the low-carbon transformation of its transport sector.
Durrani-Camal highlighted the transformative potential of railways, a transport mode known for its high energy efficiency and low carbon footprint. As Azerbaijan strengthens its position in regional and global logistics, freight transportation, and export diversification, particularly along the Middle Corridor and Euro-Asian connections, the role of railways becomes more significant.
She noted that ADB has supported the development of the Sumqayit-Yalama line and is currently working on electrifying the railway network and improving the signaling system. The ADB’s sector development team is exploring opportunities for ADY to become a global leader in decarbonization through energy efficiency, integration of renewable energy, smart digital management, innovative financing, and regional logistics transformation.
Durrani-Camal added that the recommendations from the technical assistance framework must be practical, actionable, and aligned with ADY’s corporate strategy as well as Azerbaijan’s national climate and energy goals. Achieving this will require close coordination among government agencies, ADY, the ADB team, and consulting experts.