“Novaya Epoxa” presents an exclusive interview with UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan Vladanka Andreeva.
-Could you please share a bit about your career and professional journey? What were the main tasks and goals you set for yourself when you assumed the role of UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan? Were you able to achieve all of them?
-My career has been a journey of service, spanning diverse regions and sectors, always guided by a deep commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fostering equity, inclusion, and peace. Before assuming the role of UN Resident Coordinator (RC) in Azerbaijan, I held various positions within the UN system, tackling complex development challenges across Europe, the CIS, and Asia.
This is now my fourth year as the UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan, and I am honored to be among 62 women globally leading UN Country Teams in their efforts to drive sustainable development while representing the UN Secretary-General at the country level.
When I took on this role, I identified several key priorities to guide our work:
–Strengthening the UN-Azerbaijan Partnership: Deepening collaboration with the
Government of Azerbaijan to align our efforts with national development priorities and
the SDGs.
-Enhancing Multilateral Engagement: Supporting Azerbaijan in playing an active role in
global and regional platforms, particularly in areas such as climate action and
sustainable development.
-Accelerating Progress on the SDGs: Assisting national stakeholders in addressing
critical challenges such as inclusive economic growth, social equity, and environmental
sustainability.
Reflecting on my time here, I am proud of the progress we have made toward these goals. From establishing a strong partnership between the UN and Azerbaijan to advancing climate action and promoting inclusivity in policymaking, there have been many successes. However, development work is a continuous process—evolving to meet emerging challenges and opportunities.
The journey is far from over, and I remain deeply committed to ensuring that the UN continues to serve as a trusted, effective, and impactful partner to Azerbaijan in achieving its development aspirations and building a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
-The COP29 summit was recently held in Baku. Have your expectations for the summit been met? Were significant issues addressed during the event? In your opinion, was the summit productive?
-Azerbaijan took on an enormous responsibility as the presidency of COP29, and the country had very limited time to prepare for COP. COP29 took place against a backdrop of an extremely challenging geopolitical context. Despite that, the COP29 delivered an agreement, which – to quote the UN Secretary-General – “was absolutely essential to keep the 1.5 degree limit alive.” This is definitely an achievement that COP29 Presidency should be proud of.
The New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) agreed at COP29 triples finance to developing
countries, from the previous goal of USD 100 billion annually, to USD 300 billion annually by 2035. It also secures efforts of all actors to work together to scale up finance to developing countries, from public and private sources, to the amount of USD 1.3 trillion per year by 2035.
While many – particularly those countries in the Global South – had hoped for a more ambitious outcome, again, as the Secretary-General said: the “agreement provides a based on which to build”. It also secures efforts of all actors to work together to scale up finance to developing countries, from public and private sources.
COP29 also reached an agreement on carbon trading under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, bringing nearly a decade of negotiations to a close. The Cross-border cooperation under Article 6 is expected to reduce the cost of implementing countries’ national climate plans (NDCs) by up to USD 250 billion per year.
-How would you assess Azerbaijan’s organization and preparation for this event? Do you believe the country succeeded in hosting it effectively?
-Azerbaijan’s organization and preparation for COP29 were exemplary, and one of the standout features of the event was the remarkable involvement of young volunteers. From the moment participants arrived at the airport, these volunteers were present around the clock, providing a warm, energetic, and cheerful welcome. Their dedication and professionalism were a true reflection of Azerbaijan’s hospitality and commitment to hosting the conference successfully.
The young volunteers became the face of COP29, leaving a lasting impression on delegates from around the world. Their enthusiasm not only showcased the spirit of Azerbaijan but also demonstrated the country’s ability to mobilize and engage its youth in meaningful ways.
Beyond their immediate contributions, this experience provided the volunteers with invaluable exposure to a global stage. Supporting one of the largest international climate conferences undoubtedly boosted their confidence and inspired many to consider careers in international and multilateral settings. This legacy of empowering youth is a testament to Azerbaijan’s forward-looking approach and a significant success of COP29.
