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COP29 Uniform Distribution and Accreditation Centre Now Open
On October 19th, the COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company hosted an opening ceremony for the COP29 Uniform Distribution and Accreditation Centre. Attendees at the inauguration included Mukhtar Babayev, the President-Designate of COP29; Narmin Jarchalova, Chair of the COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company and Chief Operating Officer; Leyla Hasanova, the Youth Climate Champion for COP29; and Hikmat Mustafayev, Chief of Staff at the COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company. They explored the facilities of the Uniform Distribution and Accreditation Centre and witnessed the beginning of the accreditation and uniform distribution process. The Centre is set to support nearly 10,000 individuals engaged in the organisation of the COP29 event, including staff, volunteers, and representatives from contractor companies. It will ensure the efficient and organised distribution of uniforms and accreditations necessary for accessat Baku Stadium. The uniforms designed for the COP29 workforce have been developed in line with sustainability principles. The clothing sets and their various elements are crafted from eco-friendly and recyclable materials. Moreover, in line with COP29’s commitment to reduce carbon footprint and emissions, uniforms are being provided by a local partner. The COP29 Uniform Distribution and Accreditation Centre, located at the National Gymnastics Arena, will be open six days a week from 10:00 to 18:00.
Azerbaijan Prosecutor General’s Office and UNODC held a special session in Vienna
On October 17, a delegation led by Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev paid a working visit to Vienna. A special session titled “Protecting People and Planet Through a Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Lens – From Vienna (UNTOC-COP12) to Baku (UNFCCC-COP29)” was organized by the Prosecutor General’s Office of Azerbaijan in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Senior officials from foreign embassies accredited in Vienna, along with representatives from the Prosecutor General’s Offices of Austria and Thailand, the International Anti-Corruption Academy, and the International Association of Prosecutors, attended the event. The event was opened by Ghada Waly, UN Under-Secretary-General, Executive Director of UNODC, and Head of the Vienna Office. In her speech, she highly praised Azerbaijan’s efforts in preparing for COP29, the most significant climate conference to be held in the country this November. Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev noted that the preparations for COP29, under the direct leadership of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, were nearing completion. The attendees were informed about a high-level session titled “Mobilizing Law Enforcement for Enhanced Climate Action,” organized by the Prosecutor General’s Office of Azerbaijan and UNODC and co-chaired by the Ministry of Interior of the United Arab Emirates. This session is scheduled for November 15 as part of COP29. A promotional video for COP29 was also shown. Mr. Shahin Shahyarov, Senior Negotiator of COP29 outlined the vision and plans of the COP29 Presidency. The urgent need to address the environmental impact of organized crime was emphasized, as the link between the illegal activities and environmental harm is clear- driving ecosystem destruction and acceleration climate change. Subsequently, Elnur Musayev and Erkin Alikhanov, directors from the Prosecutor General’s Office, shared insights on Azerbaijan’s progress in combating environmental crimes, the outcomes of the 29th Annual Conference and General Meeting of the International Association of Prosecutors (IAP) held earlier in Baku, and details of the upcoming high-level session to be held within COP29. During the visit, Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev held a bilateral meeting with UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly. The Prosecutor General expressed satisfaction with the robust cooperation between Azerbaijan and the United Nations, highlighting the ongoing collaboration between Azerbaijan’s law enforcement agencies and UNODC in combating transnational crime. Ghada Waly expressed her gratitude for the preparations for the joint event at COP29, praising the work done by the Azerbaijani Prosecutor’s Office. Additionally, a meeting was held with the leadership of the Ministry of Interior of the United Arab Emirates. The greetings of Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of the UAE, were conveyed to Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev. Gratitude was expressed to the Azerbaijani side for agreeing to co-chair the high-level session to be organized within the framework of COP29. Rovshan Sadigbeyli, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Austria was present at the meetings.
Accessible Infrastructure at COP29 for Inclusive Participation
The COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company is rolling out a range of initiatives at Baku Stadium to foster an inclusive atmosphere for the COP29 climate conference, to promote accessibility and comfort for all attendees. One of the seven core commitments of the COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company’s sustainability policy is to ensure inclusivity and accessibility, which is a top priority in organising this year’s conference. To achieve this, the COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company for the first time in COP history will provide sign language interpretation services at the COP29 Plenary Hall. The Baku Stadium will also have an audio induction system for individuals with hearing and speech impairments. Sign language interpreters will be on hand to facilitate accessibility during sessions and panel discussions. The design of the event venue has been thoughtfully crafted to include designated zones and rooms with contrast colours for individuals with visual impairments. Individuals with vision challenges will also have access to coloured door signs, information boards, venue maps, and a range of brochures produced in Braille to help them navigate the venue with ease. Notably, the majority of these materials have been developed by individuals with visual impairments residing in Azerbaijan. To guarantee inclusive access to event information, there will be a dedicated accessibility information point throughout the conference Here, sunflower symbol ribbons will be provided for individuals with invisible disabilities, along with a Braille-designed venue map. In addition, there will be a wheelchair maintenance service, featuring check-ups and technical support, as well as a charging station for electric wheelchairs. Spare wheelchairs will also be available for those in need. Furthermore, to facilitate the movement of individuals with physical disabilities throughout the venue, appropriate ramps and lifts will be installed, along with designated parking spaces, accessible restrooms, and quiet rooms. To enhance access to the event venue, “green crossing” zones will be created at Pedestrian Screening Areas (PSAs), and tactile maps will be installed at the entrances to the Blue and Green Zones, another first in COP event history. The commitments to accessibility and inclusivity will extend to accommodation and transportation services. Participants will receive a detailed list of accessible lodging options, along with various transport alternatives to ensure seamless travel to and from Baku Stadium. To support individuals with physical disabilities attending the event and foster an inclusive environment, the COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company is organising targeted training sessions for its staff, COP29 volunteers, and personnel from various service sectors. During these training sessions, company employees and volunteers will develop the essential skills needed to assist all participants.
COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company Unveils New Online Sustainability Training Programme
The COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company is ramping up its efforts to promote sustainable development and uphold global environmental commitments in the fight against climate change. As part of these efforts, the company is delighted to announce the launch of a new online sustainability training programme aimed at the wider public. Crafted by experts from the COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company across multiple disciplines, the training programme aims to enhance awareness of ecological and social sustainability, accessibility, inclusivity, and a range of other vital subjects. The primary goal of the programme is to underscore the vital role each citizen plays in building a sustainable and inclusive future in the lead-up to COP29. It seeks to provide essential concepts and knowledge, enhance public awareness on these issues, and promote the establishment and implementation of sustainable practices before, during and after the COP29 conference in Baku. Those interested in participating in the online training programme can register via the relevant section of the Eduaz platform. A video tutorial has also been developed for additional support regarding the registration process. For any inquiries regarding the training programme, please contact +994 12 535 29 28.
Special Role Training for COP29 Volunteers Completed
The COP29 Volunteer Programme has reached the final stage of selection for volunteers to be involved in the global COP29 climate conference. As part of this initiative, a crucial phase of training focused on enhancing the essential skills and knowledge of COP29 volunteers has been successfully completed. Over recent months, participants in the COP29 Volunteer Programme have undergone a series of comprehensive training sessions. These have equipped them with crucial insights and skills in personal development, sustainability, climate change, environmental protection, and the COP29 process, all aimed at preparing them for the conference. The volunteers who successfully completed the general training phase are now well-prepared for their roles. Special role training for volunteers covered the specific tasks and responsibilities they will undertake during the COP29 conference, facilitated by experts from the relevant structural divisions of the COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company. During training, volunteers became acquainted with the departments they will be assigned to, met with team members, and were briefed on their duties throughout COP29. As a result of the training phase, a total of 3,000 volunteers have been selected to work across 35 roles in 17 departments of the COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company. These volunteers will be involved in supporting accommodation services, transportation, logistics, and other operational areas starting from October 14. Starting from November 3, the final phase of the programme will commence with venue training at Baku Stadium, featuring the participation of volunteers. During this stage, volunteers will have the opportunity to learn about the infrastructure of the event venue firsthand, exploring various areas, including the Blue and Green Zones. They will also work on developing their coordination skills while representing different functions on-site.
Pre-COP29 talks make progress on fair and ambitious climate finance deal
The Azerbaijan COP29 Presidency has concluded a week of intensive climate diplomacy in Baku to bridge divides and deliver early progress on key issues ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in November. The week's activities brought together ministers, heads of delegations, negotiators, and constituencies from around the world and included two Heads of Delegation meetings, a High-Level Ministerial Dialogue, and the Pre-COP conference.In his address to Pre-COP participants, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev emphasised the urgency of climate action. "As we are entering into the final stage of preparations to the COP29, I call on you to engage constructively and in good faith for the sake of humanity,” he said. “While states have common but differentiated responsibilities, they should put aside disagreements, stop blaming each other and find common ground. We cannot afford to waste time on defining who is guilty for global warming, or who caused more environmental harm."Speaking on negotiations thus far, COP29 President-Designate Mukhtar Babayev said: “We have done well to narrow down options, and the possible shapes of landing zones are coming into view. But we can clearly see the divides that the Parties still need to bridge.“In Baku last week we made sure ministers have understood the outstanding issues in this critical final phase of negotiations. They must now return to their capitals to secure the mandates they need for the breakthroughs they must deliver. There is no excuse for anyone to arrive at COP29 without clear political support to make progress, as we urgently work to turn this draft into a deal.”Discussing a fair and ambitious New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on climate finance to be delivered in Baku, Lead Negotiator Yalchin Rafiyev said that funding needs were “in the space of the trillions” of dollars, but that we have heard different perspectives on how to achieve that ambition. He also added that a realistic goal for what the public sector could directly provide and mobilise seems to be in the “hundreds of billions”. The new goal has to respond to its purpose of addressing the needs and priorities of developing countries, including small island developing states and the least developed countries. The COP29 Presidency focused also on importance of qualitative elements such as transparency and accessibility and underlined the need for agreeing all elements of the NCQG at COP29.The week was a critical opportunity to support the preparation of a draft negotiating text on the new climate finance goal, which will be published imminently and marks a significant milestone ahead of COP29.The COP29 Presidency emphasised the importance of a “balanced package” that delivers its vision to enhance ambition and enable action at COP29. This includes delivering on all mandates and taking clear next steps following the COP28 Global Stocktake outcomes.The Pre-COP conference was also an opportunity to develop momentum on the COP29 Presidency’s non-negotiated initiatives as set out in its second open letter to Parties and Constituencies. This involved several side events, including sessions on climate transparency, human development for climate resilience, a climate and development ministerial co-hosted UK, Vanuatu and Azerbaijan, consultations on the nexus between climate and peace, and international cooperation to deliver the 1.5-degree temperature goal in partnership with the UAE and Brazilian COP Presidencies.The COP29 Presidency also hosted the launch of a report in partnership with the International Renewable Energy Agency, the Global Renewables Alliance, and the UAE and Brazilian COP Presidencies to track the progress delivering the energy goals set at COP28 and provide recommended priorities. This was an opportunity to build agreement on the COP29 Presidency’s energy initiatives, most notably the COP29 Global Energy Storage and Grids Pledge to increase installed energy storage capacity to 1,500 GW by 2030, six times the 2022 level.- Pre-COP in Baku, Azerbaijan, ran from 10–11th October, as an important staging point in the run-up to COP29- Two Heads of Delegations meetings took place on 8th and 12th October in which delegates discussed substantive issues on a technical level- A High-Level Ministerial Dialogue – being the longest one in UNFCCC history and the first one including break-out sessions - also took place on 9th October, which convened Ministers and Heads of Delegations from more than 60 Parties efforts to leverage the dialogue in the political level.
COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company Holds Briefing as Part of Pre-COP
On October 10th-11th, Baku hosted Pre-COP, organised by the COP29 Presidency and attended by government and non-government stakeholders. On the second day of this gathering, the COP29 Azerbaijan OC held a briefing. A diverse array of stakeholders attended the briefing, aimed at informing Pre-COP participants about the comprehensive preparations underway for COP29, which is scheduled to take place in Baku this November. The focus included current initiatives as well as upcoming challenges and priorities. The briefing began with an opening speech by Narmin Jarchalova, Chair of the COP29 Azerbaijan OC and Chief Operating Officer for COP29. Ms. Jarchalova highlighted that only a few weeks remain until the world convenes in Baku for the yearly climate conference. She emphasised that preparations are in their final stages, with operations progressing in line with the established timeline across all areas. She remarked, “The construction and installation phase at Baku Stadium is nearing completion, and we are now in the final stages. The venue is set to be handed over to the UNFCCC by this November.” Ms. Jarchalova went on to detail the ongoing work at the venue, including the zoning for various purposes, activities within the Blue and Green Zones, established infrastructure, and processes that are nearing completion. The briefing placed strong emphasis on sustainability principles across all operations . It was noted that the venue fully complies with sustainability, accessibility, and inclusivity requirements. The measures implemented to foster an inclusive environment at the stadium and ensure sustainable operations were also highlighted. Ismayil Isayev, a member of the COP29 Coordination Board, then provided detailed insights into the processes and services organised at the venue and across Baku to ensure a positive visitor experience during COP29. He outlined the hospitality arrangements and opportunities available, as well as the Conference and media services provided. Mr. Isayev also addressed the accreditation and registration processes put in place to ensure to facilitate participation of delegations and guests visiting Azerbaijan. He also outlined the procedure for obtaining the COP29 Special Visa, initiatives to enhance navigation and information access throughout the city, and various organisational and technical procedures aimed at streamlining operations. Another member of the COP29 Coordination Board, Shahla Abbakirova, discussed the World Leaders Climate Action Summit scheduled for the early days of COP29. She provided participants with insights into the organisational aspects of key events and meetings planned for that period. Ms. Abbakirova elaborated on the arrangements for world leaders travelling to Baku for the summit, including the route from the airport to the venue, available services, and the summit programme. Orkhan Mahmudlu, Head of Transport and City Operations at the COP29 Azerbaijan OC, emphasised that a well-organised transport scheme is crucial for successfully hosting COP29. He highlighted that a series of coordinated measures have been put in place and introduced guests to a newly created interactive city map. Mr. Mahmudlu stated that to ensure seamless movement for visitors during COP29 while safeguarding the comfort of city residents, multiple transport hubs will be established at strategic locations throughout the city. Regular services will be provided across various modes of transportation, including taxis, buses, and shuttles. He also discussed the planning and security measures in place to facilitate travel for delegations to and from the COP29 venue.
COP29 Pre-COP Begins in Azerbaijan
Global Leaders Gather to Advance Climate Negotiations Before COP29 BAKU, AZERBAIJAN, October 10, 2024 – Today, the COP29 Presidency hosted global climate leaders, government officials, constituencies, and delegates at the opening of Pre-COP in Baku, Azerbaijan. Pre-COP provides an important platform for Parties to advance climate negotiations ahead of the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), set to take place in November. Pre-COP discussions will focus on making progress on key priorities before COP29, including climate finance, specifically the New Collective Quantified Goal, mitigation, adaptation, and supporting vulnerable communities in global climate solutions. In an address delivered on his behalf by COP29 President-Designate Mukhtar Babayev, H.E. President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan emphasized the importance of agreeing an NCQG at COP29 that “meets the needs of the developing, least developed and small island developing states” and represents a “substantial increase” over the prior goal. President Aliyev noted that reaching this goal will require the collaboration of the international community. “Neither Azerbaijan in its capacity of the COP29 Presidency, nor any other state, can take decisions on behalf of others. Our role is to provide the platform for facilitating negotiations, which we believe we have been fulfilling impartially,” he said. “As we are entering into the final stage of preparations to the COP29, I call on you to engage constructively and in good faith for the sake of humanity. While states have common but differentiated responsibilities, they should put aside disagreements, stop blaming each other and find common ground. We cannot afford to waste time on defining who is guilty for global warming, or who caused more environmental harm.” In his own address at the opening ceremony, President-Designate Babayev recognised the progress made, while also calling for participants to act with urgency and use the Pre-COP meeting to build the foundation for a successful outcome at COP29. “We are building bridges and momentum, but we need much more,” said COP29 President-Designate Mukhtar Babayev. “We make progress when we come together, put differences aside, and engage in open and honest dialogue.” He then added: “The purpose of this session is to prepare for success at COP29. Given the complexity and high stakes involved in the mandated agenda items, we cannot afford to leave too much to be decided at the summit.” The COP29 President-Designate also set out clear goals for each priority. Speaking about the NCQG, which Azerbaijan has identified as the top negotiating priority for COP29. He noted that “we are seeing some signs of possible convergence on certain elements of the goal. We want to focus on where we can build a solid foundation to help support discussions on other elements.” He also frankly identified the need to “take seriously the responsibility for identifying a number over a timeframe and come forward with solutions. Qualitative elements of the goal such as transparency and accessibility are also essential to ensuring that the goal is both fair and ambitious.” The President-Designate also outlined goals for each of the other top negotiating priorities, including concluding work on Article 6 as a much needed priority “crucial for directing financial and technical resources”, turning pledges into signed contributor agreements to the Fund for responding to Loss and Damage, attracting “significantly greater contributions” to all funds, including the Green Climate Fund and the Adaptation Fund, and responding to the call of the UAE Consensus to transition away from fossil fuels in a just and orderly manner. The opening ceremony, which was livestreamed on YouTube (available here), also featured speeches from Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations Amina J. Mohammed, UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell, COP28 President Dr Sultan Al Jaber, and Chair of the Subsidiary Body for Implementation Ambassador Nabeel Munir. "COP29 must be an enabling COP, delivering concrete outcomes to start translating the pledges made in last year's historic UAE Consensus into real-world, real-economy results,” UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell said at the Pre-COP opening. “Clearly finance is key among the concrete outcomes needed this year. An ambitious new goal is entirely in every nation’s and every economy’s interests. We can only prevent the climate crisis from decimating all economies - including the largest and wealthiest – if every country has the means to take much stronger climate actions,” Stiell added. Pre-COP is the latest milestone in Azerbaijan’s preparations for COP29, which will be a key moment in the global effort to limit global warming to 1.5°C and build resilience to climate impacts. In the lead up to Pre-COP, the COP29 Presidency also convened an informal Heads of Delegation meeting on October 8th in Baku, followed by the formal High-Level Ministerial Dialogue on the NCQG on October 9th. Another Heads of Delegation meeting is scheduled for October 12th. The COP29 Azerbaijan Presidency will spare no effort to act as a bridge between developed and developing nations and steer the process to a successful outcome at COP29. “COP29 will be a defining test for both the Paris Agreement and for multilateralism,” stated President-Designate Babayev. “The world is watching, and history will judge us on the outcomes we achieve. Success or failure at COP29 will be collective and each of us has a role to play. We must all offer the best of ourselves.”
Media Accreditation Portal for COP29 Green Zone Launched
The COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company has launched the media accreditation portal for the COP29 Green Zone, which will be active during COP29. Scheduled for this November 11-22, COP29 will feature a Green Zone coordinated by the COP29 Presidency. It will serve as a vibrant hub for innovations and potential solutions in the fight against climate change. Media representatives are now invited to apply for accreditation to cover this significant event. The accreditation process has been underway since October 9 and is available exclusively through the official accreditation portal. The final registration deadline is set for October 30 at 23:00 (GMT+4). In addition to the Blue Zone, the official venue for meetings and negotiations overseen by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Green Zone will offer significant opportunities for media representatives. It will welcome a diverse array of stakeholders, including government and private sector representatives, academics, youth, local communities, NGOs, civil society, and delegates from the Blue Zone, thereby providing ample opportunities to enhance the coverage of COP29. Journalists accredited for the Green Zone will have the opportunity to participate in a range of events, allowing them to connect directly with organisations, companies, and individuals actively involved in climate action to create exclusive content. Accredited media representatives will also have access to infrastructure and technical facilities established in the Green Zone, ensuring the effective and efficient management of media activities. It is worth noting that media accreditation is intended for representatives of official and legitimate media organisations registered in countries recognised by the United Nations (UN). Furthermore, local Azerbaijani media representatives must also be registered with the Media Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan. For requirements and further details regarding the COP29 Green Zone media accreditation process, please visit the relevant section on the official COP29 website. For additional support or inquiries related to accreditation applications, please reach out to mediaaccreditation@cop29.az.
COP29 Presidency Announces Ministerial Pairs on Adaptation, Mitigation and Article 6
The COP29 Presidency has announced the appointment of Ministerial Pairs for Adaptation, Mitigation and Article 6, to help guide and inform political consultations on these important topics. This announcement completes the appointment of COP29 Ministerial Pairs, following the earlier announcements for the Ministerial Pair on the NCQG and High-Level Pair on Transparency.The COP29 Ministerial Pairs are playing an important role in escalating political engagement ahead of COP29 in Baku and raising the key priorities of the COP29 Presidency up the global political agenda.They will play a significant role during Pre-COP in Baku, from October 10th – 11th, which will include a series of important climate negotiations. During Pre-COP, and in the lead up to and during COP29, the COP29 Ministerial Pairs will have the opportunity to engage in political consultations to make progress on these key issues.H.E. Eamon Ryan, Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications of Ireland and H.E. Franz Tattenbach, Minister of Environment and Energy of Costa Rica have been appointed as the Ministerial Pair on Adaptation. The COP29 Presidency has tasked the Ministerial Pair with leading consultations on key adaptation issues, to help enhance understanding about current priorities and perspectives, identify possible opportunities and barriers, and facilitate progress on substance. Adaptation is an important priority for the COP29 Presidency as it is an indispensable component of the long-term global response to climate change, to build resilience and protect people, livelihoods, and ecosystems.The COP29 Presidency has appointed H.E. Tore O. Sandvik, Minister of Climate and Environment of Norway and H.E. Dr Dion Travers George, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment of South Africa as the Ministerial Pair on Mitigation. The Ministerial Pair will be tasked with facilitating discussions to help Parties collaborate on mitigation and make progress under the relevant mandates to present a solid basis for continuing discussions in Baku. Mitigation is an important priority for the COP29 Presidency, as enhanced mitigation ambition for deep, rapid, and sustained reductions in greenhouse gas emissions in line with 1.5°C pathways is urgently needed, in this critical decade and beyond.H.E. Grace Fu Hai Yien, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment of Singapore and H.E. Simon Watts, Minister of Climate Change of New Zealand have been appointed as the Ministerial Pair on Article 6, to help fully operationalise this important part of the Paris Agreement, which sets out how countries can pursue voluntary cooperation to reach their climate targets. The full operationalisation of Article 6 is one of the COP29 Presidency’s main priorities for its vision to enhance ambition and enable action. The Ministerial Pair will guide political consultations on Article 6 to build momentum to finalise its implementation at COP29.The announcement follows the appointments of H.E. Chris Bowen, Minister for Climate Change and Energy of Australia and H.E. Yasmine Fouad, Minister of Environment Mitigation of Egypt as the Ministerial Pair on the NCQG, and H.E. Francesco Carvaro, Special Envoy for Climate Change of Italy and H.E. Zulfiya Suleimanova, Advisor to the President of Kazakhstan and Special Representative for International Environmental Cooperation of Kazakhstan as the High Level Pair on Transparency.