On October 23, at the event titled "Sustainable Transport for the Future," the report on the "Sustainable Achievements of Azerbaijan Railways OJSC in the areas of environment, social issues, and governance" was presented.

The main topic of the event was the work being done to achieve decarbonization goals in sustainable transport in Azerbaijan, particularly in railways, through the application of green innovations and advanced digital solutions, as well as the steps to be taken in this direction.

In his speech, Elmin Mammadov, Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport, highlighted the key points of Azerbaijan's strategic vision for international cooperation in digital innovation and the development of sustainable transport.

The Executive Director of COP29, Elnur Soltanov, and the Chairman of the Natural Resources, Energy, and Ecology Committee of the Milli Majlis, Sadiq Qurbanov, in their speeches, provided detailed information to the participants about the importance of transport in achieving global climate goals and decarbonization targets, key global practices in this field, the National Priorities for 2030, and Azerbaijan's growing role in the green innovation sector.

In his speech at the event, the Chairman of ADY, Rovshan Rustamov, touched upon the role of railways in building sustainable transport, stating that the first and most important aspect of railway sustainability is the reduction of emissions and energy efficiency. Railway transport accounts for only 1% of global carbon dioxide emissions, making it more efficient compared to other modes of transportation.

Speaking about the work done by ADY in this direction, the results achieved, and future plans, R.Rustamov stated that railway transport accounts for 1.12% of total energy consumption in Azerbaijan, and the emissions of heat-producing gases in this sector make up less than 0.5%. He added, "Our goal is to create a carbon-neutral railway transport system, free from carbon emissions. In 2023, 100% of passenger transport and 80% of freight transport were powered by electricity."

Later, during the event, James Leder, Director of Transport at the Asian Development Bank, discussed global initiatives for the decarbonization of railway systems and highlighted the benefits that the implementation of such initiatives at ADY would bring.

Following the speeches, the presentation of ADY's first Sustainability Report took place.

Later, a mission document on cooperation in the field of decarbonization in railways was signed between ADY and the Asian Development Bank, with the participation of ADY Chairman Rovshan Rustamov and James Leder, Director of Transport at the Asian Development Bank.