Baku, 20 November 2024 – Regional experts and government officials gathered to explore sustainable and climate-resilient transportation corridors across Asia in a CICA event held on the sidelines of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29). Hosted by the Port of Baku and the CICA Secretariat, the event "Pathways to Sustainable Connectivity: Efforts of CICA and its Member States, and Regional Organizations in Asia for Secure, Effective and Climate-Resilient Transportation Corridors" highlighted the critical role of connectivity in promoting sustainable development, climate resilience and resolving challenges facing the CICA region.
The event brought together high-level speakers from CICA Member States and international organizations to discuss innovative strategies, share best practicesand forge collaborative solutions for sustainable transport infrastructure in line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). CICA Deputy Secretary General Mrs. Zhang Ling presented CICA as a unique pan-Asian forum to promote peace, security and stability in Asia. She highlighted the initiative of President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to establish a CICA Council on Sustainable Connectivity, which is now being discussed by the Member States with the aim of promoting secure, effective and climate-resilient transportation corridors.
Participants focused their discussions on the interconnectedness of transportation and climate resilience, exploring how CICA Member States can collaborate to enhance infrastructure, reduce carbon emissions and address the region's climate vulnerability.
Ms. Natavan Aghayeva, International Relations Manager of the Port of Baku,underlined the critical position of the Port of Baku in promoting the trade and connectivity between Asia and Europe. Mr. Qiu Xinli, Counsellor from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, discussed the importance of international cooperation in the development of secure and climate-resilient transport corridors. Mr. Nurlan Kenessov, Director of the Transport Policy Department of Kazakhstan's Ministry of Transport, outlined Kazakhstan’s national efforts to enhance regional connectivity and encouraged CICA Member States to continue discussions on the establishment of the CICA Council on Sustainable Connectivity. Mr. Burak Aykan, Director General of EU Affairs and Foreign Relations at Türkiye’s Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, emphasized Türkiye’s role in facilitating cross-border transportation and promoting green infrastructure. Mr. Jun Jie Bi, President of Zhonghongwang Culture Media Co., LTD, provided insights into the integration of digital solutions in transportation networks. Mr. Hurshid Rustamov, Senior Coordination Officer at the UN Azerbaijan Office, shared the United Nations’ perspective on integrating sustainable development goals into transportation infrastructure. Mr. Olivier Oudin, Investment Officer at the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, discussed financing models for sustainable transport projects. Mr. Jie Guo, Director of the Transport Knowledge Sharing Center in China, presented the latest low-carbon research on sustainable transport practices.Dr. Elnur Safarov, Environmental Expert and Oceanographer at the Port of Baku, addressed the environmental impact of transportation infrastructure and the need for climate-conscious planning.
The event underscored the importance of establishing secure, efficient and sustainable transport corridors as a means of fostering economic growth, social inclusion and environmental protection.
