Ismail Serageldin: Azerbaijan can become a leader in resolving Caspian issues

No single country can overcome the environmental, economic and social challenges facing the Caspian region on its own, Ismail Serageldin, co-chair of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center told a panel session held as part of Baku Climate Action Week 2026 (BCAW), Report informs.

Serageldin stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation among the five countries bordering the Caspian Sea. He said Azerbaijan could play a leading role in building such a partnership.

According to Serageldin, a regional program should cover several areas, including environmental protection, economic development, infrastructure and social issues. Local communities should also be actively involved in implementing the program.

"This should not be viewed solely as an environmental issue. It is a gradually intensifying regional challenge that requires joint cooperation," he said.

Serageldin also noted that the expected changes in the region are likely to be significant, making it necessary to develop resilience-building programs now.

"The condition of water resources remains one of the important factors," he emphasized.

He said the issue concerns not only the amount of water available but also its quality.

"Another problem that is becoming increasingly important alongside other challenges is pollution," Serageldin added.