~ The World Aquatics Foundation presented its Environmental Award to the Republic of Azerbaijan on 1 October 2026, during the Opening Ceremony of the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup in Baku.
"VAN" (Sports Desk - 03.10.2026) :: The World Aquatics Foundation presented its Environmental Award to the Republic of Azerbaijan on 1 October 2026, during the Opening Ceremony of the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup in Baku.
The award was presented to the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources in recognition of Azerbaijan’s significant, long-term achievements in environmental protection under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev.
These protection efforts, led by the Ministry, include notable progress in sustainability and energy transition initiatives, enacting environmental protection policies and overseeing the use and restoration of natural resources, notably along the Azerbaijani section of the Caspian Sea.
Azerbaijan was also selected as the global host of the United Nations Environment Programme’s 2026 World Environmental Day celebrations, highlighting the important work being done in the country.
World Aquatics President Husain Al Musallam, Chairman of the World Aquatics Foundation Dale Neuburger and World Aquatics Executive Director Brent Nowicki presented the award.
The presentation took place at Baku Aquatics Palace, on the occasion of the opening stop of the Swimming World Cup 2026 taking place from 1-3 October 2026. A representative of the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan was present to receive this prestigious award Mr. Rashad Ismayilov, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
President Al Musallam said: “Congratulations to the Republic of Azerbaijan on receiving this award and its commitment to being a responsible steward of its precious water resources. Azerbaijan’s leadership demonstrates the important role that governments and sporting communities can play in protecting our aquatic ecosystems for generations to come.”
The representative of the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mr. Rashad Ismayilov, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan was honoured to receive this award: “We are deeply grateful to World Aquatics and the World Aquatics Foundation for recognising Azerbaijan’s dedication to conservation and sustainable development. We will take this encouragement and continue to strengthen our efforts to protect our natural resources and preserve our water ecosystems for the future.”
Azerbaijan was named one of the inaugural recipients of the World Aquatics Foundation Environmental Award in June 2026, alongside the City of Paris whose cleanup opened the River Seine for Open Water Swimming competition at the Paris 2024 Olympics and for public swimming after a century-long prohibition.
The award supports and recognises initiatives that protect water resources and ecosystems. The World Aquatics Foundation also promotes water safety, drowning prevention, athlete development and the growth of aquatic sports through education, community programmes and scholarships.
“Protecting our seas, rivers and lakes, is fundamental not only to the future of our sport but also to the future of our planet. This award helps support and draw attention to meaningful environmental initiatives, using the power and reach of aquatics to make a positive difference,” said Dale Neuburger, Chairman of the World Aquatics Foundation.
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