April 16, 2021: A virtual meeting was held between the ECO Science Foundation (ECOSF) and the Clean Energy Centre for the ECO Region (CECECO) to explore potential areas of cooperation in clean energy, sustainability transition, and related regional initiatives.

The CECECO was represented by Ms. Aysel Yagubova, Executive Director, Ms. Nigar Shukurova, Project Coordinator and Mr. Asif Mammadzada, Communications Manager. The ECOSF side was represented by Prof. Seyed Komail Tayebi, President, Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Memon, Executive Director and Mr. Khalil Raza, Program Manager.

During the meeting, Prof. Seyed Komail Tayebi appreciated the opportunity for engagement and underlined that energy and clean energy transition remain among the high-priority areas of ECOSF. Ms. Aysel Yagubova welcomed the interaction and noted the strong alignment between ECOSF and CECECO, emphasizing the potential for meaningful cooperation. Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Memon also highlighted the importance of working on energy-related themes and reaffirmed ECOSF’s interest in supporting regional efforts in this domain.

Ms. Yagubova briefed the participants on CECECO’s programs and priorities and identified several areas where both institutions could work together. She particularly referred to CECECO’s ongoing and upcoming activities, including monthly engagements and upcoming conferences/workshops. She also shared CECECO’s plans for the Clean Energy Academy as a platform for future capacity-building programs.

On behalf of ECOSF, Mr. Khalil Raza, proposed collaboration areas, including the preparation of joint policy briefs and country briefs on clean energy and sustainability transition. He also proposed the development of a CECECO–ECOSF Capacity-Building Program and highlighted the importance of jointly pursuing funded projects in areas of shared interest. Both sides expressed interest in maintaining close coordination and in identifying the next practical steps to translate the discussion into concrete collaborative activities.

At the end, Prof. Tayebi praised CECECO and ECOSF’s proposed partnership and stressed the importance of developing a roadmap for cooperation between these two sister organizations.