On March 1, the United Nations (UN) and the Government of Azerbaijan entered into a Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework Document for 2021-2025. Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov on behalf of the Azerbaijani Government and UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan Ghulam Iskhakzai signed the Document.

As a result of successful cooperation to date, 4 framework documents have been implemented between the UN and Azerbaijan. As a follow-up to the documents, a decision was reached to develop a "UN-Azerbaijan Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for 2021-2025", and the priority areas of the Document were identified. In full compliance with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Framework Document is based upon the principles of non-exclusion, human rights, gender equality, sustainable development, resilience and responsibility, and will cover the priorities of socio-economic development, inclusive of the whole country, which has ensured its territorial integrity.

Delivering a speech at the signing ceremony, Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov noted that our country is effectively cooperating with various specialized UN agencies, and a number of documents have been signed, and joint projects have been implemented in the scope of this cooperation. The Minister added that putting into place the Framework Document will contribute to the achievement of the SDGs in our country, ongoing reforms and implementation of projects in accomplishing "Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development" and the development of human capital. The Minister stressed the importance of cooperation with specialized UN agencies for a great return to the liberated territories, and that appropriate steps in this direction have already been taken.

UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan Ghulam Iskhakzai noted that the Framework Document mainly aims at transforming the economy, supporting the Government of Azerbaijan in meeting the needs of vulnerable groups, minimizing the effects of the COVID-19 and addressing the consequences of the conflict, and that the Document has an important role to play in accelerating the achievement of SDGs.  

After the signing, the Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov met with the UN Resident Coordinator and exchanged views on the prospects for expanding cooperation with specialized UN agencies.