CECECO and UNECE Hold Side Event on Green Energy Connectivity and Energy Security in Geneva

Geneva, 30 September 2026 — The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the Economic Cooperation Organization Clean Energy Center (CECECO), in cooperation with the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva, held a side event during UNECE Sustainable Energy Week 2026 titled “Green Energy Connectivity and Energy Security: Advancing Cooperation for Sustainable Development.”

The event focused on the role of green energy connectivity in strengthening energy security and resilience while supporting sustainable development and the energy transition. The discussions highlighted the importance of cross-border electricity connectivity, renewable energy integration and regional cooperation.

The event also highlighted the Caspian-Black Sea-Europe Green Energy Corridor and the Central Asia-Azerbaijan-Europe Green Energy Corridor as major regional initiatives demonstrating the growing importance of cooperation in developing secure, interconnected and sustainable energy markets.

Opening remarks were delivered by H.E. Mr. Rovshan Sadigbayli, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva, and Ms. Aysel Yagubova, Executive Director of CECECO.

In her remarks, Ms. Yagubova highlighted the complementary energy strengths of ECO countries, noting the region’s diverse renewable energy resources, growing electricity markets and strategic connectivity. She emphasized that stronger interconnections, regional electricity trade and cooperation can support energy security, renewable energy integration and new opportunities for clean energy investment.

The high-level panel discussion, “Green Energy Connectivity and Energy Security: Advancing Cooperation across Middle Corridor,” was moderated by Mr. Dario Liguti, Director, UNECE. Panelists included Ms. Rana Humbatova, Deputy Director of the Azerbaijan Renewable Energy Agency; Mr. Kanat Ayapbergenov, Managing Director for National Power Grid Development, KEGOC JSC; Mr. Nikoloz Kholodov, Head of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Implementation and Promotion Division, Georgia; and Mr. Elmir Musayev, General Director, SOCAR Green.

The discussion focused on strengthening energy connectivity across the Middle Corridor, promoting renewable energy integration and enhancing energy security through regional cooperation.