Azerbaijan and AIIB announce new development and climate initiatives

Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Youth and Sports and the State Agency for Support of Non-Governmental Organizations have announced a joint grant competition to support youth organizations. The application period begins on September 10, 2026, and concludes on October 1, 2026. Small grants are capped at 30,000 manat, while large grants range from 30,000 to 100,000 manat. Priority themes include digital transformation, AI, innovation, cybersecurity, and expanding opportunities for youth in rural or remote areas, with a focus on social inclusion for vulnerable groups. The program also aims to promote healthy lifestyles and physical activity among young people.

In a separate development, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is preparing a new climate-infrastructure partnership with Turkey’s COP31 Presidency. During the Istanbul Climate Finance Summit, AIIB Vice President Ajay Bhushan Pandey noted that Turkey is a key partner for the bank. The partnership aims to bridge the gap between policy priorities and infrastructure investment, focusing on areas such as electrification, railways, resilient cities, water management, and municipal infrastructure to mobilize private capital.