Sustainable Development Goals at Baku State University.

Doctoral students Tahir Yunuslu and Ramil Hasanov from the Faculty of Ecology and Soil Science of Baku State University (Baku State University) participated in the Third Global MAB Youth Forum organized under UNESCO’s UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme. The forum was held in the Po Delta and Euganean Hills Biosphere Reserves in Italy and brought together more than 200 young participants from 109 countries under the theme “Committed to the Future We Want.”

The forum provided a platform for extensive discussions on sustainable development in biosphere reserves, biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, environmental awareness, green economy, cultural heritage preservation, and increasing youth participation in decision-making processes. Participants exchanged international experiences through thematic working groups and explored sustainable management models and environmental initiatives implemented in biosphere reserve areas.

During various sessions of the forum, the BSU doctoral students presented their research on specially protected natural areas in Azerbaijan. They also gained insights into international experiences related to biodiversity conservation, climate action, green economy initiatives, renewable energy development, invasive species management, and ecotourism.

In their presentations, the doctoral students highlighted Azerbaijan’s cooperation with neighboring countries on the reintroduction and conservation of rare and endangered species. They also informed participants about newly commissioned wind and solar power plants and the designation of the Karabakh and East Zangezur economic regions as Green Energy Zones.

The forum program included field visits to the Po Delta Emilia-Romagna, Euganean Hills, and Po Delta Veneto Biosphere Reserves. During these visits, local experts introduced participants to the region’s biodiversity, natural and cultural heritage, water resource management practices, agricultural activities, and ecotourism initiatives.

At the conclusion of the forum, participants jointly prepared and presented the “Po Delta Youth MAB Declaration” and the “Youth MAB Roadmap 2026–2035.” These documents emphasized strengthening youth participation in biosphere reserve management, expanding international cooperation, and advancing sustainable development objectives.

The Third Global MAB Youth Forum is regarded as an important platform for fostering international cooperation among young people, generating new initiatives, and shaping the future priorities of UNESCO’s MAB Youth Network.

SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land), SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)