Rabat, October 28, Chouaib Brhadda, AZERTAC

“Azerbaijan has the potential to play a leading role in international efforts to combat climate change,” said Abdelilah Idrissi Bouzidi, a prominent Moroccan political figure and President of the Agdal-Riyadh District Council in Rabat, in an exclusive interview with AZERTAC.

“Azerbaijan occupies a strategic position connecting Europe and Asia, making it a key player in the global energy market. With substantial oil and natural gas reserves, Azerbaijan meets regional demand through pipelines like the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan and TANAP,” Bouzidi highlighted.

He noted that Azerbaijan has joined several international environmental agreements, including the Paris Agreement. “To ensure the successful implementation of these commitments, the government must enhance policies related to carbon emission reduction and climate adaptation. This involves developing innovative strategies to transform the traditional energy sector toward clean and renewable energy sources,” Bouzidi added.

“With its abundant solar and wind resources, Azerbaijan has significant potential to become a leader in renewable energy production. Investing in this sector can diversify the economy and create new job opportunities,” he stated.

“Given its strategic location, Azerbaijan can also strengthen regional cooperation on climate issues. By partnering with neighboring countries and engaging in international initiatives, Azerbaijan can establish itself as a strong advocate for environmental sustainability.”

Bouzidi emphasized the importance of COP29 (the United Nations Climate Change Conference), stating, “COP29 will be a pivotal event in global climate action, and its success will depend on how countries address climate challenges under current conditions. Developed nations must fulfill their commitments to funding climate action.”

He explained that COP29 will focus on the shift from fossil fuel-based energy to renewable sources, adding, “Continued pressure to reduce potent emissions like methane will be a critical aspect of the negotiations. Local and community institutions are essential in educating citizens on climate change and actions to mitigate its effects. Waste management, in particular, is a vital role for local institutions to reduce pollution.”