In recent months we have seen record breaking heatwaves hit Europe, India and Mexico, devastating floods in neighbouring Kazakhstan and in Brazil, as well as droughts in China. The impacts of the climate crisis are here now. The science shows us that if we are to truly address this global challenge, we need national and global solutions.

World Environment Day, which Baku will host on 5 June 2026, is the largest global platform for environmental engagement and action. Established by the UN General Assembly in 1972, the Day inspires and is celebrated by millions of people across the world, who participate in online and in-person activities and events around the world aimed at accelerating environmental progress for people and planet. With Azerbaijan as hosts, World Environment Day 2026 will focus on climate change.

“Like almost every corner of the Earth, Azerbaijan is facing devastating impacts of climate change and environmental degradation. To fend off these challenges, World Environment Day fills the world with millions of reasons for hope,” said Mukhtar Babayev, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan and COP29 President-Designate. Azerbaijan is set to host a landmark UN Climate Change Conference in November, almost double our renewable energy sources by 2030, grow forests, and reach zero-waste through state-of the-art facilities. Hosting World Environment Day is a natural choice, grounded in our solidarity for a green world.”

Azerbaijan has also stepped up to lead global efforts to address the climate crisis as COP29 hosts. COP29 will be a key moment to drive global action. UNEP is ready to support Azerbaijan to deliver progress – progress on new climate finance goals, progress on transparency, progress on technology, progress on methane and progress on more ambitious NDCs.

UNEP research will continue to support the Presidency, with our flagship reports – the Emissions Gap Report and Adaptation Gap Report – being released ahead of the talks to inform the negotiations. We will also work with the COP29 Presidency on initiatives to support waste management – an often-ignored piece of the climate puzzle – as well as initiatives to support adaptation and water security.

World Environment Day is the largest global platform for environmental engagement and action, inspiring millions of people across the world who participate in online and in-person activities and events aimed at accelerating environmental progress for people and planet.

With Azerbaijan as hosts, World Environment Day 2026 will focus on climate change, continuing the country’s leadership in tackling the climate crisis following their COP29 Presidency.

The world is calling for change. Governments, businesses, civil society and youth leaders all want ambitious and meaningful progress in ending fossil fuel use, restoring degraded nature, reducing pollution and delivering a clean energy transition for all. We need to deliver.

From COP29 to World Environment Day, we look forward working with the Republic of Azerbaijan to drive progress.

About World Environment Day

World Environment Day is the United Nations’ principal vehicle for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for the environment. Held annually since 1973, the Day has also become a vital platform for promoting progress on the environmental dimensions of the Sustainable Development Goals. With the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) at the helm, over 150 countries participate each year. Major corporations, non-governmental organizations, communities, governments, and celebrities from across the world adopt the World Environment Day brand to champion environmental causes.

About the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Republic of Azerbaijan

The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan is the central executive authority responsible for implementing state policy in environmental protection. It oversees the organization and efficient use of natural resources, including groundwater, mineral raw materials, and surface natural resources. The Ministry also manages their restoration, as well as the observation and forecasting of hydrometeorological processes within the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including the section of the Caspian Sea belonging to Azerbaijan.