COP29 kicks off in Baku

The 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, one of the world’s most prestigious and grand events, commences today in Baku.

COP29, taking place at the Baku Olympic Stadium from November 11 to 22, 2024, is the largest event Azerbaijan has organized to date and the first of its kind in the broader region. The Host Country Agreement and other important documents have already been signed between the Government of Azerbaijan and the Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

The World Leaders Climate Action Summit, the highest-level event of COP29, will take place on November 12-13, 2024.

The primary expectation for the COP29 Presidency is to reach an agreement on a fair and ambitious New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on climate finance.

The COP29 Presidency has put forward 14 initiatives covering topics such as the link between climate action and sustainable development goals, green energy zones and corridors, energy storage, harmony for climate resilience, agriculture, clean hydrogen, methane reduction from organic waste, green digital action, and more. Additionally, one of the initiatives includes the establishment of the Climate Finance Action Fund.

Enabling climate finance will contribute to meeting the 1.5°C commitment by bringing everyone together, as well as being a key priority for enabling action.

Azerbaijan places special importance on environmental protection and the elimination of the consequences of climate change, making great efforts on this front. The election of Azerbaijan as the COP29 host by unanimous decision is a clear example of these efforts. As emphasized by the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, this is an indicator of the international community’s respect and trust in Azerbaijan.

Official broadcaster of the Conference, volunteers, and inclusivity

The Baku Media Center has been appointed as the official broadcaster for COP29, ensuring high-quality coverage of the conference from the Baku Stadium.

The event also provides a significant platform for volunteers. A substantial part of the successful implementation of COP29 relies on the COP29 volunteers, who will act as sustainability advocates, distinguished by their selfless work and exemplary behavior.

The COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company is rolling out a range of initiatives at Baku Stadium to foster an inclusive atmosphere for the conference, promoting accessibility and comfort for all attendees. One of the seven core commitments of the COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company’s sustainability policy is to ensure inclusivity and accessibility, which is a top priority in organizing this year’s conference. To achieve this, for the first time in COP history, the COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company will provide sign language interpretation services at the COP29 Plenary Hall. The Baku Stadium will also have an audio induction system for individuals with hearing and speech impairments. Sign language interpreters will be available to facilitate accessibility during sessions and panel discussions.

Digital transport map

This online resource provides key information on strategically located transport hubs, venue access, and hotel accommodations, enabling users to easily manage their transport requirements during COP29. A total of 500 vehicles will be put into service during COP29, with 210 being used during the World Leaders Climate Action Summit. Additionally, 140 electric buses will be used.

Programme

The detailed programme, which is being updated according to the conference agenda, is now available on the official COP29 website. It offers a glimpse into the diverse range of events, discussions, and exhibitions that will shape the global climate agenda. For those attending COP in person, the programme will be available at information desks across both the Blue and Green Zones. The programme covers both the Blue Zone, where formal negotiations and decision-making take place, and the Green Zone – a space open to the public that features a variety of exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events related to climate change. The programming for both zones includes a diverse range of topics, such as climate finance, adaptation, mitigation, technology, and climate finance.

“Let’s stand together for a Green World!”

Under the motto “Let's stand together for a Green world!”, Azerbaijan, demonstrating exemplary leadership in the crucial global challenge of fighting climate change, calls on all parties to strengthen solidarity for a green, fair, inclusive, and sustainable world. As emphasized by the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan will spare no effort in building bridges between developed and developing countries, achieving consensus during COP29, and ensuring that COP29 is a success story.

The liberated Azerbaijani territories, including the Garabagh and East Zangezur regions, along with the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, have been declared green zones. Environmental protection is a top priority in the ongoing large-scale restoration and reconstruction works in these liberated territories. The smart city and smart village conceptions are being applied in these areas, with the ecosystem being revived.

Under the Order of President Ilham Aliyev, dated December 25, 2023, the year 2024 has been declared the “Green World Solidarity Year” in Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan has set ambitious targets, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35 percent by 2030 and 40 percent by 2050, relative to the 1990 baseline year.