The Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) is laying the groundwork for a unified carbon market across its member states, a mechanism that could drive green investment and cost-efficient emissions cuts while fueling sustainable development, ECO Secretary-General Dr. Asad M. Khan told Report in an exclusive interview.
Khan noted that while individual ECO countries have advanced national climate and resilience measures, regional coordination lags due to varying capacities, funding, and governance frameworks. “ECO’s role as a facilitator and knowledge hub is essential to harmonize policies, scale successful pilots, and forge integrated systems that enhance resilience and fast-track the region’s low-carbon transition,” he said.
Azerbaijan stands out as a proactive player within ECO, leveraging its strategic Caspian-Caucasus-Central Asia position to champion regional cooperation in climate, energy, agriculture, and industry. Key contributions include hosting the ECO Clean Energy Center and co-developing the RESCUE initiative for resource efficiency and circular economy.
The ECO-UNIDO Clean Energy Center (CECECO) in Baku, officially operational since its Charter entered force on August 26, 2025, is poised to become the region’s engine for sustainable energy progress. The Center will prioritize scaling low-carbon, climate-resilient infrastructure, fostering high-value manufacturing and services, and enabling south-south technology transfer via the Global Network of Regional Sustainable Energy Centers (GN-SEC).
CECECO’s rollout will hinge on tailored projects grounded in global best practices and adapted to ECO members’ needs. Countries with limited access to modern renewables will receive technical support, capacity building, and affordable financing to ensure real-world adoption. By mobilizing large-scale investment and partnering with international organizations, the Center aims to spark a dynamic regional clean energy market and catalyze sustainable industrial growth throughout the ECO region.
https://report.az/en/energy/eco-preparing-to-create-carbon-market-for-member-countries