D-8 Energy Ministers adopt Baku declaration to strengthen cooperation

Energy ministers and senior officials from the eight member states of the Developing-8 (D-8) Organization for Economic Cooperation have adopted the Baku Declaration on Energy Cooperation, marking a major step toward deeper collaboration in the energy sector.

The declaration was adopted during the First Meeting of the Ministers of Energy of D-8 Member States, held in Baku on the sidelines of Baku Energy Week. The gathering brought together high-level representatives from Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Pakistan, Türkiye, and Malaysia under the theme, “Enhancing Cooperation in Sectors of Hydrocarbon, Energy Transition and Energy Connectivity.”

The meeting was chaired by Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov and attended by D-8 Secretary-General Sohail Mahmood.

In his opening remarks, Shahbazov highlighted the importance of closer cooperation among D-8 nations amid changing global energy dynamics. He stressed the need to expand collaboration in hydrocarbons, energy transition initiatives, and regional energy connectivity while promoting energy security and sustainable development.

Mahmood described the inaugural meeting of D-8 energy ministers as a landmark achievement in implementing the organization's Decennial Roadmap (2020-2030), which identifies energy as a key area of cooperation. He emphasized that energy remains a strategic driver of economic growth, industrial development, trade competitiveness, technological advancement, and sustainable prosperity across member states.

The secretary-general called for a balanced approach to energy policy, recognizing the continuing importance of hydrocarbons in ensuring energy security and affordability while also accelerating investment in renewable and low-carbon energy solutions.

As part of future cooperation efforts, Mahmood outlined five priority areas, including the development of a D-8 Energy Cooperation Framework and Action Plan, creation of an energy investment facilitation mechanism, stronger collaboration on emerging technologies, expanded capacity-building initiatives, and enhanced cross-border energy infrastructure cooperation.

The centerpiece of the meeting was the adoption of the Baku Declaration on Energy Cooperation, which establishes a framework for practical and long-term collaboration among member states.

Under the declaration, D-8 countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in clean and renewable energy, energy connectivity, hydrocarbon development, investment facilitation, technological innovation, capacity-building, institutional coordination, and cooperation between the energy and mining sectors.

Another major development was the presentation of the proposed charter for the D-8 Energy and Climate Center (D-8 ECC), which Azerbaijan plans to establish in Baku. Ministers welcomed the initiative, describing the center as a potential flagship institution for technical cooperation, project development, investment promotion, knowledge-sharing, and climate-related collaboration.

Participants also endorsed the creation of a D-8 Energy Senior Officials Group (SOG) to oversee the implementation of ministerial decisions and improve institutional coordination among member states.

The meeting highlighted the strategic geographic position of D-8 countries, which serve as a bridge between major energy-producing regions, transit corridors, and global consumer markets. Delegates stressed the importance of pursuing realistic and nationally driven energy transition strategies while maintaining energy security, affordability, accessibility, and sustainability.

Officials said the successful launch of the ministerial platform and the adoption of the Baku Declaration provide a strong foundation for structured and long-term energy cooperation within the D-8 framework, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing an inclusive and sustainable energy agenda for member states and their populations.