2024-08-15 12:08:56
As Azerbaijan prepares to host COP29 in November, Baku is gearing up for the first Climate Week to educate and mobilize society ahead of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
This was reported on Monday by Day.Az with reference to the press service of the Azerbaijani operating company COP29.
“Baku Climate Week, organized at the initiative of the UN High-Level Leader on Climate Action at COP29 Nigar Arpadarai, will take place from Monday (September 30) to Friday (October 4). Currently, Baku Climate Week, organized in cooperation with the world’s largest public climate event at the city level – London Climate Week, is planned to host high-level international conferences, as well as multilateral local and public events.
Taking place amid the busy schedule of the COP29 Presidency, Baku Climate Week will highlight the wide-ranging work being carried out by the city of Baku and Azerbaijan as a whole to combat climate change, as well as promote international cooperation in support of climate action.
Baku Climate Week is an important next step in terms of expanding the discussions held at the state level to accelerate climate action in Azerbaijan. Climate Week will not only engage everyone from political and business leaders to the local community and youth, but will also serve as an educational and stimulating platform to address Azerbaijan’s current climate change challenges and explore the opportunities offered by a green transition.
“Azerbaijan is honoured to host COP29 this November, and the COP29 Presidency is committed to making this event a success to raise ambition and drive action on climate change. We know that both cities and the private sector have a key role to play in developing climate solutions and supporting international diplomacy. That is why I, as the UN High-Level Leader on Climate Action at COP29, and the COP29 Presidency are proud to host the first Baku Climate Week – a week dedicated to climate change and sustainability,” said Nigar Arpadarai, UN High-Level Leader on Climate Action at COP29, announcing the launch of Baku Climate Week.
COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev said that holding Baku Climate Week in such an important year for Azerbaijan is the next important step in terms of expanding the discussions held at the state level to accelerate the fight against climate change in the country.
“Azerbaijan wants to be a role model, and for COP29 to drive ambition and action, both developed and developing countries must play their part. In the run-up to the world gathering at COP29 in Baku this November, events like Baku Climate Week bring together everyone from political and business leaders to local communities and youth, and provide an educational and stimulating platform, while we offer solutions to Azerbaijan’s current climate change challenges and continue to explore opportunities. In line with Azerbaijan’s strategic vision, Baku also continues to research and implement renewable energy technologies. In addition, it is a positive initiative to bring people together to raise awareness of the benefits of a green transition both locally and internationally. We hope that Baku Climate Week will not only be a big step towards COP29, but will also clearly demonstrate our determination to mobilize action on climate change in society,” he stressed.
The Head of the Baku City Executive Authority Eldar Azizov mentioned that organizing and holding such a large-scale and high-profile event in Azerbaijan in such an important year is a great honor.
“We continue the preparatory work to organize the COP29 conference as one of the world-class events in accordance with the schedule. The city of Baku already has experience in hosting global conferences, which means that the Baku Climate Week will be a new continuation of this tradition. The venues designated for the first event of the Baku Climate Week were chosen to highlight the rich cultural heritage of Baku and at the same time tell the story of an ancient city and a country in transition,” he added.
Founder and Chair of London Climate Week Nick Mabey, OBE for his work on climate change and his support for the COP26 (BB) Presidency and the collaboration between London and Baku Climate Weeks, said he was delighted to welcome the UN High Level Leader on Climate at COP29 and her team to Climate Week in London from 22-30 June 2024.
“This unique model, which mobilises all levels of society in London, has inspired similar weeks in cities such as Auckland, Sydney and Dublin, and we are now honoured to be working on this project in Baku,” he said.
Baku Climate Week Program Director Malini Mehri noted that the world community will see that Baku is a city of extraordinary beauty that will play an important role in the history of the “green” transition.
“We are very pleased to host the first event of Baku Climate Week together with the UN High Level Leader on Climate at COP29, the COP29 Presidency, the City of Baku, key stakeholders and local communities. This will be a landmark event for the partnership with Baku ahead of COP29,” he added.
The main themes of this year’s event will be “energy transition”, “cities/urban environment”, “water security”, “food and agriculture”, “small and medium enterprises” and “green skills”.
The first half of the Baku Climate Week will feature representatives from government agencies, academia and the private sector, while the second half will feature artistic and cultural events.
Detailed information about the Baku Climate Week will be posted soon on the website www.bakuclimateactionweek.az.