On September 23–25, 2026, the International Scientific Conference “Earth Systems, Green Energy and Regional Resilience” (ESGERR–2026) was held in Mingachevir, jointly organized by the Institute of Geography of the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Mingachevir State University.

ESGERR–2026 was one of the particularly significant scientific events for the Institute of Geography. It was the first international scientific conference organized by the Institute whose proceedings are intended to be indexed in the Scopus database. The conference was of considerable importance in presenting the research conducted at the Institute to the international scientific community, expanding cooperation with foreign scholars, and establishing new scientific partnerships.

The main objective of the conference was to bring together the findings of contemporary research on changes in Earth systems, climate change, green energy, environmental issues, and regional resilience; promote the exchange of scientific knowledge and experience among researchers; and provide a scientific platform for developing new collaborations in these fields.

The opening ceremony began with a one-minute 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 performance of the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Zaur Imrani, Acting Director of the Institute of Geography, Doctor of Geographical Sciences and Associate Professor, noted that the scientific areas covered by the conference are closely linked to the pressing challenges of the modern era. He highlighted the importance of scientifically investigating the impacts of climate change, natural and anthropogenic processes on spatial systems, the transition to green energy, and regional resilience. Zaur Imrani emphasized the importance of expanding the exchange of knowledge and experience among scientists from different countries, conducting joint research, and establishing new scientific partnerships in these areas.

The Institute of Geography was extensively represented in the scientific and organizational activities of the conference. Zaur Imrani, Director of the Institute, served as one of the conference chairs, while Institute staff actively participated in the work of the Organizing and Editorial Committees.

During the plenary and parallel sessions of the conference, numerous scientific presentations reflecting the results of research conducted at the Institute of Geography were delivered. The presentations addressed a wide range of topics, including the Caspian Sea and coastal geosystems, climate change and natural hazards, green energy potential, regional resilience, landscape and ecological processes, water and land resources, biodiversity, tourism and recreation, GIS and remote sensing technologies, regional development, and other pressing issues. Numerous studies conducted by Institute researchers were included in the conference programme.

ESGERR–2026 was also notable for its broad international participation. Scholars  and experts representing universities and research institutions from Türkiye, Uzbekistan, Hungary, Spain, Russia, Belarus, and other countries, as well as Azerbaijan, were involved in the scientific and editorial activities of the conference.

Over the course of the three-day conference, plenary and parallel sessions were held, with presentations delivered and discussions conducted on various scientific topics. The event provided an effective platform for bringing together scientists and researchers, discussing contemporary scientific challenges from different perspectives, and establishing new connections for future joint research.

The organization of the first Scopus-indexed international scientific conference by the Institute of Geography represents an important step toward expanding the Institute’s international scientific cooperation, increasing the representation of its researchers’ findings in internationally recognized scientific databases, and creating new opportunities for future international scientific projects and publications.

The ESGERR–2026 International Scientific Conference concluded its work on September 25.