Bank ABB Announced as Principal Banking Partner for COP29

Bank ABB (The International Bank of Azerbaijan) – the largest financial institution in Azerbaijan – has signed up as the Principal Banking Partner for COP29, highlighting encouraging sustainable practice across the finance sector. With headquarters located in Baku, as well as 84 branches across Azerbaijan, Bank ABB is one of the leading banks in the South Caucasus region, serving more than 2.6 million customers.    Bank ABB has demonstrated its commitment to climate action, having joined the UN Global Compact, an initiative promoting corporate social responsibility and adherence to sustainable development principles. Through this membership, Bank ABB is supporting its Sustainable Development Goals and advancing ESG standards. Bank ABB has also initiated the accreditation process with the Green Climate Fund, the financial mechanism of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change UNFCCC.   With climate finance a key issue at COP29 this year, Bank ABB is keen to use the platform as a COP29 partner to affirm its important role in closing the climate finance gap, having already raised more than 100 million AZN in sustainable loans and building a project pipeline worth hundreds of millions of AZN. These funds are being directed to projects in renewable energy, green infrastructure, and sustainable technologies.   Partnering with COP29 this year aligns with Bank ABB’s ambitions, which place a big focus on sustainable development and the efficient use of resources.   Partners at COP29 will use the opportunity to engage with global climate policies, highlight their ongoing efforts on sustainability, and support the delivery of climate action transition in their key business areas. By partnering with COP29 in Baku, businesses can equally demonstrate the critical role they play in advancing green policies and supporting the global community in keeping the 1.5C target within reach.    The Green Zone at COP29 will also feature a range of global businesses showcasing climate-friendly solutions, as a dedicated space for private sector organisations. Organisations will foster connections and advance climate action through a variety of programs, including presentations, workshops, and networking events. Participating businesses can also host their own events using conference facilities with theatre-style seating and various meeting room formats for enhanced visibility, collaboration, and networking.   Commenting on the announcement of Bank ABB as Principal Banking Partner, Chief Operating Officer for COP29 Azerbaijan Narmin Jarchalova said, “I am thrilled to welcome Bank ABB as the Principal Banking Partner at COP29. With climate finance a central theme to this year’s COP, Bank ABB has a key role to play together with our other partners, in leading discussions on this critical subject and convening other stakeholders from the finance and investment sectors.”   Announcing their COP29 partnership, Abbas Ibrahimov, Chairman of the Management Board at Bank ABB, stated, “As the Principal Banking Partner at COP29, Bank ABB strengthens its commitment to closing the climate finance gap. Climate change is no longer only an environmental concern; it is a pressing reality that threatens our economic and social stability. Addressing this challenge demands a proactive role from the banking sector. With the insights and partnerships forged at COP29, we are more dedicated than ever to advancing financial solutions that drive environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Together, we can create a resilient future by building an economic model that harmonizes business, society, and the planet”.

COP29 Announces Official Rent a Car Partner

Rent a Car Baku has been selected as the official vehicle rental partner for the COP29 Azerbaijan OC, providing car rental services to attendees of the international climate conference.   This car rental service will also provide convenient transportation for the expected influx of international guests arriving in Baku for COP29, which will take place from November 11-22. Rent a Car Baku, COP29’s official vehicle rental partner, will efficiently manage all transport needs, offering a full range of vehicles - from sedans and hatchbacks to business-class cars, minibuses, buses, and SUVs - to suit all budgets. A driver service is also available.   With a high volume of visitors expected for COP29, attendees are strongly advised to book their vehicles in advance via www.rentacarbaku.az to secure their preferred choice. Larger groups can contact Rent a Car Baku directly to arrange group bookings. While Rent a Car Baku is the official partner for COP29, attendees remain free to choose alternative providers.   For booking inquiries, please contact cop29@rentacarbaku.az.

International Photo Contest “Children’s Eyes on Earth” Nears Deadline

The international photo contest "Children's Eyes on Earth," under the patronage of Leyla Aliyeva, Head of the IDEA Public Union, supported by the COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company, and initiated by internationally renowned photographer Reza Deghati, founder of "Reza Visual Academy", is nearing its submission deadline.  Entries from children worldwide will be judged by experts in the first days of November.   Launched on October 11th to raise awareness of climate issues in the lead-up to COP29 in Baku (November 11th -22nd ), the international photo contest "Children's Eyes on Earth" continues to accept submissions until October 31st .  The contest values and invites young people to share their unique perspectives on nature and the challenges posed by pollution and climate change.  A panel of renowned photographers will judge the entries over the next ten days.   Under the banner "I Love Nature, I Fear Pollution," the contest aims to engage children and young people worldwide up to the age of 18  in raising global awareness of the severe challenges posed by climate change. It encourages them to use their photography to showcase potential solutions and refocus international attention on this critical issue. This project invites young people to express their love for the environment and their anxieties about the planet's future through the universal language of photography, helping them develop into environmentally responsible citizens.   Winning photographs will be showcased in an exhibition at the "Heydar Aliyev Center", opening on November 18th, coinciding with COP29. The exhibition will be open to numerous international guests attending the conference. The organisers  encourage young photographers worldwide to participate, share their perspectives, and make their voices heard.   For more information and to participate, please visit the official website: https://childreneyes.earth.