On September 24–25, 2026, Mingachevir State University (MSU) is hosting the international scientific conference “ESGERR – Earth Systems, Green Energy and Regional Resilience.”

Bringing together scientists and researchers from different countries, representatives of higher education institutions, and experts in relevant fields, the conference aims to provide a platform for discussing scientific approaches to changes in Earth systems, green energy, climate challenges, and regional resilience. It also seeks to facilitate the exchange of best practices, promote new research collaborations, and advance scientific solutions contributing to a sustainable future.

The opening ceremony began with a minute of silence in memory of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. This was followed by the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Rector of Mingachevir State University Anar Eminov, who is currently on an official visit, joined the conference via video link and welcomed the participants and guests. In his address, the Rector noted that climate change, energy security, the efficient use of natural resources, and regional resilience are among the major scientific and socio-economic challenges facing the modern world. He emphasized that universities play an important role not only in generating scientific knowledge but also in developing innovative approaches, expanding international scientific cooperation, and ensuring that research outcomes contribute to the sustainable development of society.

Anar Eminov stated that the ESGERR International Conference serves as an important platform for strengthening cooperation across various scientific disciplines, establishing new research partnerships, and exchanging scientific ideas related to green transformation. He also noted that hosting such an international scientific event at Mingachevir State University is fully aligned with the University’s priorities in science, internationalization, green campus development, and sustainability, and wished the conference every success.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Vice-Rector of Mingachevir State University Natavan Namazova welcomed the conference participants, international guests, including representatives from Uzbekistan, as well as the University’s academic staff. She highlighted the significance of the ESGERR International Conference in aligning science and education with contemporary environmental and energy challenges, promoting multidisciplinary research, and expanding international academic cooperation. The Vice-Rector noted that bringing closely interconnected areas such as Earth systems, green energy, and regional resilience together on a single scientific platform would contribute to the development of new ideas, research initiatives, and future collaborations, and wished the conference success.

Zaur Imrani, Director of the H.A. Aliyev Institute of Geography under the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan, stated in his address that the thematic scope of the conference reflects some of the most pressing areas of contemporary science. He emphasized the importance of scientifically examining the impacts of climate change and other natural and anthropogenic processes on territorial systems, the transition to green energy, and regional resilience. Zaur Imrani also noted that expanding the exchange of scientific knowledge and expertise in these fields contributes to the development of comprehensive approaches to current global challenges and wished the conference every success.

Following the opening ceremony, the ESGERR International Scientific Conference commenced its scientific programme.

The scientific themes of the conference contribute to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to affordable and clean energy, sustainable cities and communities, climate action, responsible consumption and production, and partnerships for the goals. At the same time, the thematic framework of the conference is aligned with key sustainability areas of the UI GreenMetric approach, including energy and climate change, waste and water management, transportation, education, and research.

By hosting the ESGERR International Conference, Mingachevir State University aims to contribute to the scientific discussion of global environmental and energy challenges, strengthen international academic cooperation, promote green transformation, and support the development of scientific initiatives that contribute to a sustainable future