The Organizing Committee has done a fantastic job preparing for COP29.
As Day.Az reports, this was stated to Trend by First Deputy General Director of TASS Mikhail Gusman on the sidelines of the COP29 conference in Baku.
“When I learned that Azerbaijan was unanimously chosen as the host of the next COP29 conference, on the one hand, of course, I was extremely happy, and on the other hand, I understood what a huge job my friends and colleagues in Azerbaijan, from various ministries and departments, would have to do to prepare such a conference.
Azerbaijan has hosted many large-format events, but such a huge event has never been held before. And I take my hat off to the entire organizing committee, to the heads of various departments of this committee for such fantastic preparation,” he said.
Mikhail Gusman noted that choosing the Baku Olympic Stadium as the center of the conference was a very wise decision.
“The stadium, naturally, has been transformed and has become an ideal convenient place for holding all events. Firstly, it is all very compact, very convenient. Secondly, it freed the city from overload. Ideal conditions. I spoke with dozens of colleagues and journalists, and officials, and even leaders. And everyone is simply delighted. This, of course, suggests that everything was thought out to the smallest detail. I know that all this took place under the literally daily control of the President. Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev,” emphasized the First Deputy General Director.
According to him, the topic being discussed here is the most important for all humanity.
“I know directly those people who were involved in the preparation of COP29 around the clock. And I must say, they put all their souls, all their intellect, to ensure a successful implementation. The results were immediate. I think that the topic that is discussed here is the most important for of all humanity, which will, of course, play a big role in ensuring that the world consolidates its efforts in the fight against dramatic climate change, in the fight against such dramatic warming,” he noted.
Mikhail Gusman emphasized that the topic of shallowing the Caspian Sea should concern everyone.
“One of the important topics, which is very painful for me personally, since I grew up in Baku, near the Caspian Sea, is the shallowing of the Caspian Sea. This is a mental pain, a heartbreaking experience for me.
It is no coincidence that during the state visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Azerbaijan, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev specifically drew his attention to this topic. Of course, the problems that are being discussed cannot be solved in a month or even a year, but the main thing is that a consolidated effort will be made in the fight for global solidarity, for a “green” world, as proclaimed by the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. I think that in this regard, today we can say that the conference was a huge success,” Guzman said.
The First Deputy General Director of TASS emphasized that Russia and Azerbaijan can cooperate in all areas.
“I don’t know those topics on which the positions of Russia and Azerbaijan would diverge or where there would be no opportunity to consolidate efforts. Everything related to global problems, climate, environmental, worries Azerbaijan and Russia equally,” concluded Mikhail Gusman.
What key challenges did Azerbaijan face when preparing to host COP29?
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Mikhail Gusman, First Deputy General Director of TASS
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Mikhail. Thank you for joining us today. We’re excited to talk about your insights from COP29 here in Baku. Could you share your feelings about Azerbaijan being chosen as the host for this significant conference?
Mikhail Gusman: Thank you for having me. When I first heard that Azerbaijan was unanimously selected to host COP29, I felt an overwhelming sense of happiness mixed with a deep understanding of the immense task ahead. Organizing a conference of this scale is no small feat, especially for a country that has hosted numerous large events but never one quite like this.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely. The scale of conferences like COP can be daunting. What impressed you most about the preparations made by the Organizing Committee here?
Mikhail Gusman: The preparation has been nothing short of fantastic. I have to commend the entire organizing committee and the various ministries involved. Their effort and meticulous planning have made a significant difference. They’ve taken care of every detail to ensure the event runs smoothly. It’s clear that this was a top priority, even under the direct supervision of President Ilham Aliyev.
Time.news Editor: That’s quite a testament to their hard work. You mentioned the Baku Olympic Stadium being chosen as the conference center. Why do you think that was a wise decision?
Mikhail Gusman: The choice of the Baku Olympic Stadium was indeed astute. The venue has been transformed into an ideal setting, compact yet spacious enough to accommodate various events. It alleviates congestion in the city, making it very convenient for attendees. Feedback from fellow journalists, officials, and even leaders has been overwhelmingly positive—they appreciate both the facilities and the organization.
Time.news Editor: It’s great to hear such feedback. COP29’s theme touches upon critical global issues. In your opinion, how significant are the discussions taking place here for humanity as a whole?
Mikhail Gusman: The topics being discussed at COP29 are extremely vital. They resonate with the very essence of our collective future. The individuals involved in the preparation have dedicated their hearts and minds to ensuring the success of this conference. It’s not just about logistics; it’s about making real progress on issues that affect every person on this planet.
Time.news Editor: Indeed, this conference has the potential to drive significant change. What do you hope will be the most important outcomes from COP29?
Mikhail Gusman: My hope is that COP29 will foster not only dialogue but actionable commitments towards combating climate change. We need concrete solutions and collaborative efforts from all nations. This is an opportunity to unify global voices and transform discussions into impactful policies that will benefit future generations.
Time.news Editor: That’s a crucial hope, especially in today’s climate crisis. Thank you, Mikhail, for sharing your insights. We wish you all the best at COP29 and look forward to seeing what outcomes emerge from this important gathering.
Mikhail Gusman: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure speaking with you. Let’s hope for a successful COP29 that leads us to a more sustainable future.