Climate officials from across Eastern Europe will meet in Baku from 7–9 September for the region’s first forum dedicated to accelerating climate technology deployment.
The National Designated Entities Forum for Eastern Europe will bring governments, international organisations, technology experts and development partners together during Baku Climate Week 2026.
Organised by the UN Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) in collaboration with Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, the forum will focus on strengthening regional cooperation, unlocking financing and expanding access to climate technologies.
The gathering comes as countries look for practical ways to deliver their national climate commitments under the Paris Agreement while responding to increasing climate risks.
Discussions will explore how countries can connect with technical expertise, attract investment and identify technologies capable of strengthening climate resilience and reducing emissions.
Ariesta Ningrum, Director of the CTCN, said Eastern Europe has significant potential to accelerate climate action through greater technological cooperation.
“Eastern Europe has enormous potential to accelerate climate action through technology and innovation,” Ningrum said.
“The CTCN had a strong portfolio of technical assistance across the region in its early years, demonstrating both the demand for support and the value of regional collaboration. This Forum marks an important step in rebuilding that momentum.”
The forum will also examine the role of the Belém Technology Implementation Programme in moving climate technology initiatives from commitments towards implementation.
CTCN Advisory Board Chair Ketevan Vardosanidze said access to technology should be regarded as essential to responding to climate change.
“Climate technology is a necessity, not a luxury, and the Belém Technology Implementation Programme is our opportunity to match urgency with action – to move from declarations to delivery, getting solutions and finance to the communities that need them most,” Vardosanidze said.
Türkiye, which is preparing to assume the COP31 Presidency, will also participate in the discussions.
Naciye Başak Tuncer, Environment and Urbanization Expert at Türkiye’s Directorate of Climate Change, said stronger regional cooperation could help countries turn climate ambitions into practical projects.
“Forums of this nature serve to align national priorities with actionable solutions, strengthen regional partnerships, and create opportunities to mobilize the technologies, expertise, and investment needed to turn climate ambition into concrete implementation,” Tuncer said.
Other participants include Azerbaijan’s Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Dr Umayra Taghiyeva.
The CTCN is the implementation arm of the Technology Mechanism of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and is hosted by the United Nations Environment Programme.
Its global network includes more than 1,000 member organisations across 165 countries, supporting developing countries seeking environmentally sound technologies for low-carbon and climate-resilient development.
