Azerbaijan Advances Inclusive Growth, Regional Connectivity and Global Engagement: President Ilham Aliyev
Baku, The Gulf Observer: Ilham Aliyev has reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development, highlighting significant economic growth, poverty reduction, and expanding international engagement in his address to the 82nd session of United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).
The president stated that Azerbaijan’s economy has grown nearly fourfold over the past two decades, while poverty and unemployment have declined to around five percent. He noted that sustained investments in social protection and infrastructure have contributed to improving living standards for the country’s population, which now exceeds 10 million.
Emphasizing progress on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), President Aliyev said Azerbaijan has successfully integrated the 2030 Agenda into its national development strategies. He highlighted advancements in key sectors such as poverty alleviation, education, and healthcare, alongside the country’s consistent presentation of Voluntary National Reviews, reflecting its commitment to inclusive development.
The president also underlined Azerbaijan’s growing role as a regional connectivity hub, noting the increasing strategic importance of the Middle Corridor amid evolving geopolitical dynamics. He added that the Zangezur Corridor would further strengthen links between Asia and Europe, enhancing transport, energy, and digital connectivity in line with ESCAP priorities.
Reaffirming Azerbaijan’s position as a reliable energy partner, President Aliyev said the country continues to contribute to stable and diversified energy supplies across regions.
He further noted that the post-conflict environment has opened new avenues for international cooperation. Azerbaijan’s active participation and leadership in global and regional platforms—including the Organization of Turkic States, the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia, and the Developing-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation—as well as its involvement in Central Asian consultative meetings and successful hosting of COP29, demonstrate growing international confidence in the country’s foreign policy and development trajectory.
