Baku, May 2022: The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, the European Union and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) held an open-air Award Ceremony event in the park of Heydar Aliyev Center where the handiworks of the selected participants of the “Ozun Yarat” contest have been displayed and the laureates have received valuable prizes.

The purpose of the event was to encourage people to look for creative solutions for the wastes, which are normally thrown away, to reduce wastes and protect the environment.

At the event, representatives from the EU, MENR and UNDP observed the handiworks of the winners of the “Ozun Yarat” (“Do It Yourself”) contest, which was launched as part of the #EU4Climate regional project, funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Mr. Rauf Hajiyev, Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Peter Michalko, EU Ambassador to the Republic of Azerbaijan and Ms. Charu Bist, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Azerbaijan, delivered important messages related to the climate action in the country.

“The food we eat, the air we breathe, the water we drink and the climatic conditions, all these factors that make our planet suitable for life are all blessings bestowed on us by nature. In order to take care of ourselves, we must first take care of nature,” Mr. Rauf Hajiyev, Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan said.

“Establishing a circular economy with zero waste and zero emissions is a key objective of the European Union’s Green Deal and its ambition to make Europe resilient and climate neutral by 2050 – in line with the EU’s commitment to reach the Paris Climate Agreement goals.  The EU4Climate project supports our partners in Azerbaijan with EU and international best practice in delivering its commitments to the Paris agreement.  A vibrant civil society with its creativity and resourcefulness plays a key role in achieving the Paris goals, namely by helping to drive the transformation of our economies and sustainable way of life. The great ideas and concepts for waste reduction and upcycling presented in today’s competition demonstrates this potential which we must use even more widely and more effectively. Congratulations to all participants and organizers for a highly successful event”, said Mr. Peter Michalko, EU Ambassador to the Republic of Azerbaijan. 

“We welcome the efforts of the Government of Azerbaijan to achieve Sustainable Development Goals committed since its accession to the UN 2030 Agenda and are ready to provide all possible support. To meet one of the prioritised goals - climate action - the Fourth National Communication of Azerbaijan to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change has been completed with our successful collaboration. EU4Climate regional project helps to facilitate the country’s shift to a greener, circular economy that is resilient to climate risks, energy-efficient and sustainably manages natural resources,” Ms. Charu Bist, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Azerbaijan said.

Following the opening speeches, partner organizations presented awards to the winners of this year’s “Ozun Yarat” competition.

The top winners of the competition received valuable gifts. The other laureates received encouraging awards and certificates.