On March 1, the United Nations (UN) and the Government of Azerbaijan signed the Framework Document on Cooperation on Sustainable Development for 2021-2025. The document was signed on behalf of the Government of Azerbaijan by Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov and UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan Ghulam Ishaqzai.

As a result of successful cooperation, 4 Framework Documents between the UN and Azerbaijan have been implemented so far. As a continuation of the documents, a decision was made regarding the preparation of the "Framework Document on Sustainable Development Cooperation between the UN-Azerbaijan for the years 2021-2025" and the main priority directions of the Document were determined. The Framework Document is based on the principles of no one being left out, human rights, gender equality, sustainable development, sustainability and responsibility, being in full compliance with the SDGs, and it will cover socio-economic development priorities, being inclusive in the entire territory of our country, which has ensured territorial integrity.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov noted that our country cooperates effectively with various UN specialized agencies, a number of documents were signed within the framework of cooperation and joint projects were implemented. It was emphasized that the implementation of the Framework Document will contribute to the implementation of the SDGs in our country, the reforms carried out, the implementation of projects in the direction of the realization of "Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for socio-economic development", and the development of human capital. The minister pointed out that cooperation with UN specialized agencies is important in realizing the great return to the territories freed from occupation, and relevant steps have already been taken in this direction.

Ghulam Ishaqzai, the resident coordinator of the UN in Azerbaijan, noted that the main goal of the Framework Document is to support the Government of Azerbaijan in the transformation of the economy, meeting the needs of vulnerable segments of the population, minimizing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and eliminating the consequences of the conflict, and emphasized the role of the Document in accelerating the implementation of the SDGs.

After the signing, a meeting was held between the Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov and the resident coordinator of the UN, they exchanged views on the prospects of expanding cooperation with specialized UN agencies.