A media tour took place at Heydar Aliyev International Airport in preparation for COP29.
According to Day.Az, the media tour was attended by representatives of the media, the State Migration Service, Azerbaijan Airlines CJSC (AZAL) and ASAN Visa.
Media representatives were told about the work done to prepare for COP29, demonstrated the process of screening passengers, passport control, as well as the process of issuing special entry visas for conference participants through the terminals.
It was noted that to increase capacity, the number of passenger inspection points has been increased.
Following the results of the media tour, a briefing was held, at which the director of Heydar Aliyev International Airport, Teymur Hasanov, said that passenger traffic is expected to increase to 25-27 thousand people per day during the COP29 period.
“To ensure all processes, additional employees and volunteers have been involved, a working group has been created to coordinate the work. Today, the daily passenger flow is 18-20 thousand people, and we expect it to increase to 25-27 thousand during COP29. In enhanced mode, the airport will be able to serve up to 45-50 thousand passengers per day,” Hasanov emphasized.
The head of the International Cooperation Department of the State Migration Service of Azerbaijan, Ulvi Aliyev, added that within the framework of COP29, a high-level panel discussion on the movement of people in the context of climate change is planned on November 18, together with the International Organization for Migration.
“The State Migration Service, together with the Organizing Committee of COP29 and the Azerbaijan Operating Company COP29, carried out a number of events to simplify migration registration, increase awareness, and also to promptly resolve issues arising when entering and leaving the country. In accordance with the Agreement signed between the Government of Azerbaijan and The Secretariat of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change has extended the residence registration period for COP29 participants from 15 to 30 days. These relaxations apply to foreigners and stateless persons arriving on a COP29 visa or without a visa who have registered with the UN Climate Change Secretariat. convenience and unhindered border crossing for foreigners, especially those arriving without a visa, the necessary technical and organizational preparations have been carried out,” he noted.
Let us recall that the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) will be held in November this year in Azerbaijan. This decision was made at the COP28 plenary meeting held in Dubai on December 11 last year.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement signed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992 to prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system. The abbreviation COP (Conference of Parties) translated from English means “Conference of Parties”, this is the highest legislative body that controls the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change.
There are 198 countries that are parties to the Convention. Unless the parties agree otherwise, the COP is held annually. The first COP event took place in March 1995 in Berlin, and its secretariat is located in Bonn.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Ulvi Aliyev, Head of the International Cooperation Department of the State Migration Service of Azerbaijan
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Ulvi! Thank you for joining us today. It’s a pivotal time for Azerbaijan as it prepares to host COP29. Could you start by sharing some insights into the recent media tour at Heydar Aliyev International Airport?
Ulvi Aliyev: Thank you for having me. The media tour was an essential step in showcasing our preparations for COP29. We wanted to highlight not just the improvements to passenger flow but also our commitment to facilitating the movement of delegates and participants during this significant event. Representatives from the media, Azerbaijan Airlines, and the State Migration Service were present to witness our screening and passport control processes firsthand.
Time.news Editor: What specific measures are being taken to accommodate the expected increase in passenger traffic during COP29?
Ulvi Aliyev: We are anticipating passenger traffic to rise to between 25,000 and 27,000 each day during the conference. To accommodate this surge, we have increased the number of passenger inspection points and enlisted additional employees and volunteers to assist with operations. Our goal is to ensure a seamless experience for all attendees.
Time.news Editor: That’s impressive! Can you elaborate on the special entry visas for conference participants? How will that process work?
Ulvi Aliyev: Certainly. We’ve developed a streamlined process for issuing special entry visas specifically for COP29 participants. This initiative is part of our efforts to make migration registration much simpler and more efficient. We have also implemented measures to quickly resolve any issues participants may encounter when entering or leaving the country.
Time.news Editor: In addition to logistical preparations, how is the State Migration Service engaging in discussions around climate change during COP29?
Ulvi Aliyev: We are excited about a high-level panel discussion we’re hosting on November 18, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration. This session will explore the intersection of climate change and human mobility, emphasizing the importance of addressing migration issues within the context of environmental challenges.
Time.news Editor: That sounds critical, especially given the escalating concerns around climate change. How do you view the role of migration in this context?
Ulvi Aliyev: Migration is increasingly shaped by climate change, where communities may need to relocate due to environmental factors. Our panel will serve as a platform to discuss policies and strategies that can better manage these migration flows while ensuring the human rights of those affected are protected.
Time.news Editor: It’s encouraging to see such proactive measures being taken. What are your expectations as we approach COP29, in terms of the potential outcomes of the conference?
Ulvi Aliyev: I believe COP29 presents a unique opportunity to not only address critical climate issues but also to foster international cooperation in managing the implications of climate change on migration. My hope is that we can emerge from this conference with actionable agreements that reflect a commitment to sustainable development and the welfare of affected populations.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Ulvi! Your insights are invaluable as we look forward to COP29. Any final thoughts you’d like to share with our readers about this monumental event?
Ulvi Aliyev: I encourage everyone to stay engaged with the discussions that will take place during COP29. This is not just a governmental issue; it’s a call for collective action that involves all of us. Let’s work together to create solutions that prioritize both our planet and the communities that inhabit it.
Time.news Editor: Thank you once again for your time, Ulvi. We’re looking forward to seeing the outcomes of COP29!
Ulvi Aliyev: Thank you for having me. It’s an exciting time, and I appreciate the opportunity to share our preparations with your audience.