ASA Members Attend Columbia Lecture on Azerbaijan’s Climate Agenda

Azerbaijan Society of America Members Attend Columbia University Lecture “Turning Global Commitments into National Action: Parliament Sustainable Development and Azerbaijan’s Climate Agenda.”

NEW YORK, NY — September 8, 2026 — Members and friends of the Azerbaijan Society of America (ASA) had the honor of attending a distinguished lecture at Columbia University featuring a conversation between Professor Dr. Sahiba Gafarova, Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Azerbaijan and renowned economist and global development scholar Jeffrey D. Sachs.

In her address, the Speaker Dr. Gafarova spoke about the importance of translating global commitments into concrete policies and actions at the national level. She noted that although the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are global in nature, their implementation depends, first and foremost, on policies, legislation, and concrete projects carried out at the national level. In this regard, she emphasized the importance of aligning global targets with national priorities and ensuring the sustainability of the results achieved.

The event attracted a large and engaged audience and provided an important platform for discussion on sustainable development, climate priorities, and the future of Azerbaijan and the South Caucasus within the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework.

For members of the Azerbaijan Society of America, attending this important gathering was a particularly meaningful experience. As Americans of Azerbaijani heritage, we were proud to witness Azerbaijan represented on such a prestigious academic and international stage by a distinguished Azerbaijani woman whose knowledge, experience, and presence reflect the strength and accomplishments of Azerbaijani women.

Dr. Sahiba Gafarova is an accomplished academic and experienced parliamentarian who has played an active role in international institutions. Her professional experience includes serving as a Fulbright Scholar at the Institute for Women’s and Gender Studies at the University of Michigan from 2006 to 2007. She has also held significant leadership responsibilities within the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), including serving as Political Coordinator for the “Women Free from Violence” parliamentary network and Chairperson of the PACE Committee on Migration, Refugees and Displaced Persons.

Her participation at Columbia University demonstrated not only her individual expertise, but also the important role Azerbaijan continues to play in international dialogue on climate, sustainable development, and regional cooperation.

A Proud Legacy of Azerbaijani Women

The accomplishments of Azerbaijani women today are deeply connected to a remarkable historical legacy.

In 1918, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic granted women the right to vote, making Azerbaijan one of the earliest countries in the Muslim world to recognize women’s political rights. This milestone came before women in the United States secured the constitutional right to vote in 1920, and before many European countries extended full voting rights to women.

This history is a source of great pride for Azerbaijanis around the world. Azerbaijan has long recognized that the participation, education, leadership, and advancement of women are essential to the strength and progress of society.

Today, Azerbaijani women continue to make their mark in government, academia, diplomacy, science, business, culture, and international affairs. The leadership of Dr. Sahiba Gafarova stands as another example of this enduring tradition.

For the Azerbaijani-American community, seeing an Azerbaijani woman lead the country’s Parliament and participate in a high-level intellectual discussion at Columbia University was a moment of tremendous pride.

Azerbaijan–United States Friendship

The Azerbaijan Society of America is proud to see Azerbaijan’s voice increasingly represented in leading American academic and international institutions.

Events such as this provide an opportunity to strengthen mutual understanding between Azerbaijan and the United States and to highlight Azerbaijan’s contributions to important global conversations. They also remind Azerbaijani Americans of the meaningful role our community can play in building bridges between our ancestral homeland and the country we proudly call home.

The Azerbaijan Society of America congratulates Dr. Sahiba Gafarova on her participation in this important discussion and expresses its appreciation to Columbia University and all those who contributed to bringing this distinguished conversation to the academic community and the public.

As Azerbaijani Americans, we were proud to be present. We are proud of Azerbaijan’s history, proud of the achievements of Azerbaijani women, and proud to see Azerbaijan represented with knowledge, dignity, and confidence on the world stage.

Azerbaijan Society of America

New York, New York