A Word From Executive Director of AmCham Dear members, Welcome to IMPACT's 28th edition, which is devoted to promotion of Sustainable Development Goals. From the st Issue 28 early 21 century, we all remember the launch of Millennium Development Goals, which mobilized the UN and the countries to focus on social and economic prosperity in the Credits world and to harmonize goals under common messages. As of 2016, the UN made a step further - towards sustainable AmCham Executive Director: development goals. That uncovers 17 areas! Natavan Mammadova These are ambitious goals for serving in depth for people on the ground. Achieving for such goals require strong Editor: leadership on the global level – carried out by the UN, and commitment on national level – to be implemented by respective governments. In Azerbaijan, there is a Aykhan Nasibli harmony between Sustainable Development Goals and the overall strategy of the Government of Azerbaijan, clearly observed in such state programs and documents Articles contributed by: as the Strategic Development Road Map on perspectives of national economy, Fariz Ismailzade Vision 2020, Social-Economic Development of the Regions for 2014-2018 and Elvin Hajiyev others. All of them aim to contribute to common target. During the “post-oil and gas Fuad Allahverdiyev era”, the implemented actions are expected to bring further prosperity and access to global markets. Thus, synergy between global goals and national commitment are Elnur Eyvazov real signals for achieving sustainable development goals. Ziya Ibrahimov AmCham Azerbaijan members are proud of contributing to sustainable development Rena Tahirova in Azerbaijan. It is not only vision, but a real goal, achieved results and plans for Ali Verdiyev future. Respective articles within this edition cover a small piece of the members’ Nadezhda Ovsiannikova contribution. At the same time, CSR Committee of AmCham composed of Alla Garagashli representatives from member companies and being the only CSR platform in the country invests high energy and resources to promote sustainable development Stuart Kerr Naismith and shared values principles and engage all the members with projects and ideas Elshad Farzaliyev, Idil Isheri coinciding with the national and global agendas. With sustainable development in mind, AmCham Azerbaijan wishes you all the very Advertisers: best in 2018 with fruitful business and personal achievements. Azerfon Happy New Year, Happy Solidarity Day of World Azerbaijanis! Mozaik Printing Turkish Airlines Best regards, Natavan Mammadova BP Coca Cola Ekvita Editor’s Comment HORECA Dear friends and members, Congratulations with the new edition of IMPACT Azerbaijan SKN Electrical Services magazine – devoted to Sustainable Development Goals! ITECA This a topic, which is touching to the mind and heart of dif- ferent stakeholders – from international organizations to gov- Publisher: ernments, from private sector to community leaders. And the American Chamber of Commerce reason is obvious – to enhance services provided to people in Azerbaijan and to improve situations which are embedding human be- ings. This edition is developed with vision and outlook of dif- ferent sides. At the same time, experts among the AmCham Tel: (+994 12) 497 13 33 member companies have published their articles in different Fax: (+994 12) 497 10 91 topics targeting sustainable development. I am sure you will find the content inter- www.amcham.az esting and valuable for your business. www.impact.az Herein, I should also indicate that IMPACT Azerbaijan magazine could not be real- ized without contribution of advertisement providers, including BP, Azerfon, Mozaik Advertising opportunities: Printing, Turkish Airlines, Coca Cola, Ekvita, Horeca and SKN Electrical Services. We are sure that the companies receive deep value from the advertisement and we Please contact the Editor at highly appreciate for this cooperation. [email protected] It should be also mentioned that over the last years, IMPACT Azerbaijan magazine kept its leading position not only in front of the business community of the country, The articles in IMPACT Azerbaijan but at the same time governmental institutions, non-governmental organizations express the opinions of the authors and mass media. This was thanks to YOU – contribution from expert community of and do not necessarily reflect the AmCham members and the readers. At this stage, I wish you happy holidays and have a nice winter! position of the American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan Best wishes, Aykhan Nasibli contents IN FOCUS 4 26 Special Interview with United Nations Sustainable Development and Resident Coordinator and Resident Contribution in JTI Format Representative of UNDP in Azerbaijan, Mr. Ghulam Isaczai Ali Verdiyev. Corporate Affairs & 10 Communications Manager, JTI Azerbaijan SDGs and Role of Universities 28 Utilizing Sustainability in Business Fariz Ismailzade. Vice Rector, ADA University Operations and Community in Large 11 Nadezhda Ovsiannikova. Head of Corporate Why Does Sustainability Matter? Affairs, Carlsberg Azerbaijan 30 Providing Solid Platform for Quality Education and Gender Equality Elvin Hajiyev. Co-founder,Technol 14 High Technologies as the Key Factor for Alla Garagashli. Content Writer, WoWoman Sustainable Development AMCHAM AZERBAIJAN Fuad Allahverdiyev. CEO, Azertelecom 34 About Us 18 Social Entrepreneurship as a Necessity for Innovation and Sustainable Development 36 Elnur Eyvazov Business Events Senior Legal Advisor, Capital Legal Services 20 Tasks and Targets Set by Humanity For 43 the Next Decade: Ensuring Responsible Consumption and Production Balance Committee Highlights Ziya Ibrahimov Partner, Baker Tilly Azerbaijan 48 AmCham Legal Update 23 Corporate Social Responsibility During the Global Crisis: 54 Social Events Identify Priorities and Act Together 56 Member News & Events Rena Tahirova. Head of Marketing, Communication and CSR Holcim Azerbaijan 60 M2M Discount Program 2 Issue 28 in focus Special Interview with United Nations Resident Coordinator and Resident Representative of UNDP in Azerbaijan, Mr. Ghulam Isaczai and developing the capacity of the Azerbaijan Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Agency (ARRA) and established a mine clearance agency (ANAMA), which continues to operate suc- cessfully. In the late 1990s, the United Nations began helping Azer- baijan in building state institutions and enhancing the coun- try’s economic opportunities. The UN Agencies contributed towards the introduction of information communication tech- nologies, protecting the environment, and addressing drug abuse and trafficking. Emphasis was placed on improving education and health systems, increasing HIV/AIDS aware- ness, improving family planning, carrying out population cen- sus, strengthening the national NGO sector and promoting the national culture. In the early 2000s, UN Agencies worked together with the international development community to support the gov- ernment in its fight against poverty through the design and implementation of the country’s first national poverty reduc- tion strategy. Between 2000 and 2014, the UN System as- sisted the government to achieve the Millennium Develop- ment Goals (MDGs). The result was that extreme poverty was eradicated and the level of absolute poverty decreased from What were some of the key achievements and successes 49% to 5%. Moreover, school enrollment rates reached 99.8- of the United Nations Office in Azerbaijan over the span 100% and progress was made on gender equality and wom- of 25 years? en’s empowerment. Under-five mortality was reduced from Azerbaijan has been part of the UN community since 1992, 28 per 1000 live births to 12.8, infant and maternal mortality marking this year 25 years of its journey towards building a were significantly reduced. Furthermore, significant progress stronger democracy and lasting cooperation with the global was achieved towards environmental sustainability. During institution. Earlier in November, the United Nations Office in 2000-2014, in line with the 2015 Agenda and the Millennium Baku commemorated the 25th year anniversary of Azerbai- Development Goals, the United Nations, in tandem with other jan’s accession to the United Nations as well as the establish- international development organizations, have helped the ment of the UN Office in the capital Baku. Government of Azerbaijan to design poverty reduction strate- Over these years, the United Nations has provided substan- gies and action plans. tial support to the Government of Azerbaijan to strengthen Consequently, progress made by Azerbaijan towards the institutional capacities aimed at fostering good governance, Millennium Development Goals was largely positive. Gen- economic growth and delivery of basic services to citizens. der gaps in primary and secondary education have dropped In the early 1990s, UN Agencies have been extensively in- considerably in comparison with previous years. Access to volved in the provision of humanitarian assistance to Azer- clean water has tangibly improved. Remarkable gains have baijan. Collectively, they provided food, shelter and other been made in halting the spread of tuberculosis and malaria non-food items and health services, including immunization in the country. During this period, the healthcare system in to the internally displaced and refugee population affected by Azerbaijan saw visible progress in all areas, although prob- the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. UN Agencies also assisted lems remain in some areas, including maternal