“Green Customs: Dialogue of Senior Customs Officials” Conference Held

On November 20, within the framework of the 29th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), the conference titled “Green Customs: Dialogue of Senior Customs Officials” was held.

Organized by the State Customs Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the event marked the first time that customs-related issues were discussed on a COP platform, bringing together heads and senior officials of customs administrations from various countries, as well as representatives of the World Customs Organization (WCO).

Opening the conference, Chairman of the State Customs Committee, Lieutenant- General of the Customs Service Shahin Baghirov, noted that 2024 had been declared the “Year of Solidarity for a Green World” in Azerbaijan. He emphasized that this initiative contributes significantly to raising environmental awareness, protecting natural resources, and preserving ecological values. 

Highlighting the importance of the event dedicated to the Green Customs Initiative, he underlined the strategic role of customs administrations in environmental protection and stressed the need to strengthen international cooperation in this area. He also outlined measures undertaken by the Azerbaijani Customs Service in support of the Green Customs Initiative.

Deputy Minister of Energy and COP29 Chief Executive Officer Elnur Soltanov spoke about the role of customs authorities in maintaining ecological balance and protecting the environment, emphasizing the importance of coordinated climate action and the efficient use of available resources.

In his opening remarks, Gael Grooby, Acting Director of Tariff and Trade Affairs at the World Customs Organization, expressed gratitude on behalf of the WCO to Azerbaijan and the State Customs Committee for bringing the Green Customs Initiative and customs issues to the COP agenda for the first time. He stressed the urgency of implementing effective environmental protection measures within a short timeframe.

Following the opening session, panel discussions were moderated by Deputy Chairman of the State Customs Committee Natig Shirinov and COP29 Chief Sustainability Adviser Marina Olshanskaya.

The panels, titled “Green Customs Initiative” and “Circular Economy and Customs,” featured presentations on the role of customs in promoting sustainable trade and environmental protection, as well as on trade trends related to the recycling, reuse, and restoration of goods, focusing on strategies for sustainable development and resource efficiency. Participants also engaged in discussions and a question-and-answer session.

State Customs Committee Press and Public Relations Department