Source: Trend International Information Agency
Within the framework of COP29 in Baku, AMI Trend presents a special project COP for Hope. This project provides a unique opportunity to hear the voices of world leaders, country leaders and pioneers in various fields - politics, economics, science and ecology, united by a common goal: confronting the climate challenges of our time.
Today’s interlocutor is the head of the Accessibility Department at the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) Kamal Mamedov.
Ideal conditions created for people with disabilities should become an example for the whole world, he said in an interview with Trend.
“At COP29, all conditions have been created for the equal participation of people with disabilities. This includes all categories of disabilities – the visually impaired, the hearing impaired, people with autism, people with musculoskeletal problems, wheelchair users. In a large area around the Baku Olympic Stadium, where about fifty pavilions, they can move freely and carry out their activities, appropriate special services have been created for them. About seven thousand people from relevant services and companies were involved in our trainings. volunteers, drivers, airport and ground service workers, service and security services, from catering to communication, travel by public transport – metro, bus, and taxi. The main task was to create a completely barrier-free environment – which was done in full. “, said Kamal Mamedov.
The team reviewed the experience of conducting previous COPs, including analyzing comments from participants with disabilities, and drawing appropriate conclusions to create unique and innovative solutions to ensure accessibility.
“It is worth emphasizing the special attention of the COP29 management to the problems of people with disabilities. From the first days of construction and preparation for COP29, together with our team, we were directly involved in the process, giving advice based on the developed movement map, which was immediately implemented at the highest level. In particular, until now sign language interpretation has not been used at COP, but for the first time we have it. During the opening of the event, sign language interpretation was carried out by people with hearing impairments - international specialists in this field. region. They were read from a laptop the text in English, which was sent to them very quickly, and sign language interpretation was provided. I would especially like to note that in all halls an induction system has been created for the hearing impaired. Special booklets are provided on our information desks, and a special territorial tactile map in Braille has been created for them. for visually impaired people in Azerbaijani and English. We have also created a service for technical services for people with disabilities. strollers We have thirty wheelchairs in reserve – 20 mechanical and 10 motorized, which we can provide to those who wish. There is also a golf cart available for getting around the outside area. I can proudly note that our people with disabilities took part in the creation of this system. In particular, blind people worked on Braille, and amputees repaired wheelchairs. Among our volunteers there are also people with disabilities, autism, hearing and vision impairment. Inclusiveness in all areas!” said the head of the Department.
According to him, he personally checked BakuBus transport on the use of ramps on buses, how drivers communicate with people with disabilities.
“Our team also took part in choosing the design and color of the panels, in particular for people suffering from color blindness. Up to the carpet for covering the floor, its density for comfortable movement of elderly people or women in heels, people in wheelchairs. Also at our suggestion were Contrasting door frames and yellow stickers have been created (including on glass doors) so that visually impaired people can distinguish them. Ramps have been installed on the thresholds of staircases in all. registration departments exceeding three meters, one part is necessarily created for wheelchair users with an appropriate counter height. In all halls where events will take place, special places are allocated for disabled people. Moreover, there is a special service for disabled people in case of emergency evacuation. Ribbons with the sign of a sunflower are international symbols for autistic people or those with hidden disabilities. I would especially like to note the specially equipped “silence room” for those who have suffered emotional or other disorders. stress,” added Kamal Mamedov.
According to him, 100% accessibility was created thanks to the high professionalism, attentiveness and coherence of all existing services, led by the leadership of COP29.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Kamal Mamedov, Head of the Accessibility Department at COP29
Editor: Welcome, Kamal Mamedov! It’s a pleasure to have you here at Time.news. With COP29 taking place in Baku, the progress made in accessibility for people with disabilities has been truly inspiring. Can you share how this initiative came to be?
Mamedov: Thank you for having me! The impetus for our focus on accessibility arose from a commitment to ensure that all individuals, irrespective of their abilities, can participate equally. By reviewing the experiences from previous COPs and listening to feedback from participants with disabilities, we aimed to create an environment conducive to everyone.
Editor: That’s absolutely commendable. You mentioned that COP29 has set a standard for inclusivity. What specific measures have you implemented to support diverse disabilities?
Mamedov: We prioritized creating a barrier-free environment for all types of disabilities—the visually impaired, hearing impaired, individuals with autism, and those with mobility challenges. We’ve set up a large area surrounding the Baku Olympic Stadium with accessible pathways, and we have deployed seven thousand trained personnel, including volunteers, drivers, and service workers, to ensure smooth navigation and support.
Editor: Incredible work! You highlighted the use of sign language interpretation for the first time at COP. Can you tell us how that came into play?
Mamedov: Yes, this was a significant milestone for COP29. We collaborated with international specialists who are fluent in sign language. During the opening, we had real-time sign language interpretation, enhancing communication for our hearing-impaired attendees. This was coupled with an induction system set up in all halls, which greatly aids those with hearing challenges.
Editor: That certainly sets a commendable precedent. Could you elaborate on the innovations in your approach to accessibility—particularly concerning technology and assistance services?
Mamedov: Absolutely. We’ve implemented various technological solutions, such as providing special booklets at information desks and tactile maps in Braille for our visually impaired attendees. We’ve also ensured a range of assistive devices are available, including mechanical and motorized wheelchairs. Additionally, our golf carts help to navigate the more extensive outdoor areas. Importantly, we’ve involved people with disabilities in the design of these services, meaning their insights guided our efforts.
Editor: It’s evident that there’s considerable thoughtfulness behind your initiatives. What impact do you hope this level of accessibility at COP29 will have on future global events?
Mamedov: We hope that other international conferences will look to COP29 as an example of what is possible when accessibility is prioritized from the beginning. The message we want to send is clear: inclusivity is not just a nice-to-have—it’s essential for full participation in our global discourse, especially regarding pressing issues like climate change.
Editor: That’s a strong message indeed. what personal significance does this project hold for you?
Mamedov: As someone who has worked in the field for years, seeing these innovations come to life is deeply fulfilling. Ensuring that individuals with disabilities can fully engage and contribute to discussions about our planet’s future is a matter of great importance to me. It’s about dignity, respect, and recognizing the value every person brings to the table.
Editor: Thank you, Kamal, for sharing your insights with us. Your dedication to creating an inclusive environment is truly inspiring, and we look forward to seeing the impact of COP29 resonate globally.
Mamedov: Thank you for the opportunity! Together, we can foster a world where everyone has a place at the table.