Baku, September 11, AZERTAC

On September 11, within the framework of Baku Water Week 2025, the Azerbaijan State Water Resources Agency (ADSEA) organized the 2nd International Water Management Exhibition and Conference.

Khayyam Mammadov, First Deputy Chairman of ADSEA, spoke at the conference, highlighting that water resource management is no longer just a national issue but one of global significance.

He noted that the protection and efficient use of water resources are among the key priorities of Azerbaijan’s state policy. “The large-scale reforms and projects implemented in our country serve this very purpose. However, we are well aware that challenges such as water scarcity and climate change cannot be addressed by a single country’s efforts alone. Therefore, cooperation, experience exchange, and joint initiatives are of particular importance. This conference is precisely such a platform—ideas discussed and proposals put forward here will guide our future steps. We believe that the dialogue conducted here will lead to new partnerships and more effective solutions in water management at regional and global levels,” the ADSEA official stated.

Following the opening speech, the conference continued with a plenary session and panel discussions.

The plenary session, moderated by Professor Olcay Ünver from Arizona State University, was themed “Leadership in Water Governance: Regional and Global Perspectives.” Speakers included ADSEA Chairman Zaur Mikayilov, Minister of Agriculture Majnun Mammadov, the President’s Representative on Climate Issues and COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev, CEO of ACWA Power Marco Arcelli, and Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Rauf Hajiyev.

According to Zaur Mikayilov, global demand for water is rapidly increasing, and pressures on resources are intensifying due to climate change, population growth, urbanization, and industrialization. “This compels countries to adopt new approaches and act collectively. Leadership is a decisive factor here—only leadership based on strategic vision, agile decision-making, and responsible governance can help us overcome these challenges. Azerbaijan’s water policy is built on these principles. The national water strategy adopted in our country sets clear goals for the coming decades: equitable and rational water resource management, modernization of infrastructure, application of digital technologies, development of alternative and sustainable water sources, and the strengthening of science, innovation, and international cooperation. Large-scale projects are being implemented to achieve these goals. Significant steps are being taken, including the construction of new reservoirs, the modernization of irrigation systems, and the improvement of drinking water supply in urban and rural areas. At the same time, water balance, consumption, and losses are monitored in real-time through digital management platforms. However, today’s reality shows that traditional sources are insufficient. Therefore, we are paying special attention to alternative solutions—rainwater harvesting, promoting water reuse, and applying modern desalination technologies. Cooperation with international partners is of great importance in this regard,” Mikayilov emphasized.

Minister of Agriculture Majnun Mammadov announced that starting this year, the level of subsidies for locally produced modern irrigation equipment will be increased. According to him, this aims to improve affordability for farmers and expand the country’s production potential and job opportunities. “Flood irrigation will be completely banned in the territories liberated from occupation. This will be the first step toward the phased elimination of flood irrigation across Azerbaijan. By widely adopting modern irrigation systems, we must both conserve water and increase productivity,” the minister noted.

Mukhtar Babayev, the President’s Representative on Climate Issues and COP29 President, stated that climate change and rising average temperatures significantly impact the accumulation and use of water resources worldwide. “These effects are causing glacier melting and a reduction in snow reserves. This process is occurring globally. Unfortunately, we are also observing glacier melting and diminishing snow reserves in Azerbaijan,” he said. Babayev highlighted that expeditions are organized annually to the Greater and Lesser Caucasus, where experts witness significant changes. “Every year, snow reserves in our mountains decrease, and glaciers are melting. Unfortunately, this process is happening worldwide. The primary cause is climate change and rising temperatures, compounded by uneven precipitation distribution. This inevitably leads to reduced water availability, floods, and other hydrometeorological events. International organizations, alongside states, play an active role in addressing these issues. In Azerbaijan, discussions on these matters with international organizations and financial institutions have been significant for years. Numerous water projects are being implemented with international partners. However, there is growing concern due to increasing water demand. Countries are divided into those with abundant water, those in the yellow zone where water partially meets needs, and those facing or at risk of water scarcity. Unfortunately, Azerbaijan is on the list of countries facing water scarcity. Taking serious measures is essential for us. While fully mitigating risks may not be possible, developing adaptation plans is feasible,” he added.

According to Rauf Hajiyev, Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, water resource pollution and scarcity pose risks not only to ecosystems but also to the economic and social stability of countries. “When water quality deteriorates, agricultural productivity decreases, public water supply becomes challenging, and public health is threatened, potentially leading to social tensions. The ministry has identified several priority areas to protect water resources. First, modern monitoring systems are being implemented. Hydrological and chemical analyses, satellite observations, and digital databases are used to monitor the ecological state of rivers, lakes, and groundwater. The second priority is ecological expertise. The impact on water resources is thoroughly assessed during the implementation of any project or infrastructure. The third priority is international accountability. Azerbaijan fulfills its obligations under international mechanisms, including the UN Water Convention, and contributes to regional cooperation. We adopt an ecosystem-based approach to water resource protection. Measures such as maintaining the ecological balance of river basins, restoring greenery, and increasing forest belts not only protect nature but also stabilize the water cycle and mitigate the negative impacts of climate change. Azerbaijan’s position is clear: an ecological approach to water management is no longer a choice but a strategic necessity. This serves both the health of domestic ecosystems and the strengthening of regional stability and security. As a ministry, we are committed to this mission and are ready to collaborate with all partners to build a more sustainable and ecologically secure future,” he stated.

During the conference, panel discussions were held on topics such as “Water Strategies: Infrastructure and Digitalization,” “Innovative Approaches to Alternative Water Resources Management,” “Water Diplomacy: Cooperation beyond borders,” and “Water sustainability through science and innovations.”

Additionally, the winning teams of the “Hackathon” competition were awarded.

“Baku Water Week 2025” features participation from approximately 70 companies and delegations representing Azerbaijan, Germany, the USA, Austria, Belarus, the UK, the Czech Republic, Israel, Switzerland, India, Hungary, Türkiye, Serbia, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore.