Azercell Announced as Telecommunications Partner for COP29

COP29 President-designate Engagements in Colombia for the 16th Conference of Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity

The COP29 President Designate’s recent trip to Colombia for the COP16 Convention on Biological Diversity marked another critical moment in the weeks leading up to COP29 Azerbaijan. Engaging in high-level bilateral meetings with international policymakers and environmental experts, the President-Designate took part in critical discussions highlighting the urgency of global collaboration to address the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Bilateral Meetings & Events During his time in Colombia, the COP29 President-Designate held a variety of bilateral meetings with policymakers from around the world. In a conversation centered on strengthening National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) for effective biodiversity protection, he met with Mr. Nik Masimi bin Nik Ahmad, Malaysia’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability. The President-Designate also held discussions with Ms. Astrid Schomaker, the Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, focusing on the critical need for global alignment to ensure a cohesive commitment to a sustainable future. In his meeting with Mr. Bahodur Sheralizaod, Chairman of the Committee for Environmental Protection in Tajikistan, the President-Designate explored collaborative strategies for enhancing climate resilience and environmental protection between Tajikistan and the international community, further solidifying international partnerships ahead of COP29. Similarly, in a discussion with Ms. Aliona Rusnac, State Secretary of Moldova’s Ministry of Environment, he addressed ways to strengthen regional efforts for climate adaptation. In a broader effort to strengthen ties across Central Asia and align global climate initiatives, the President-Designate met with Ms. Dinara Amanturovna, Special Representative on Environmental Issues for the Republic of Kyrgyzstan, to discuss sustainable development initiatives that address the unique environmental challenges faced by the region. Additional bilateral meetings included a discussion with Dr. Mohammad Ali Qurban, CEO of the National Center for Wildlife and Flavien Joubert, Minister for Agriculture, Climate Change, and Energy for the Republic of Seychelles, where they discussed methods for advancing climate strategies for island nations, and the critical need for climate finance to protect vulnerable ecosystems. To strengthen relationships in the Latin America region during his visit to Colombia, the President-Designate met with David Choquehuanca, the Vice President of Bolivia, and Luis Gilberto Murillo, Colombia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. These discussions focused on advancing climate goals through multilateral cooperation and underscored Colombia’s pivotal role in uniting countries around their NBSAPs. In a meeting with Susana Muhamad, Colombia’s Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development and COP16 President, they explored ways to enhance collective action for biodiversity protection, building on the goals of the Kunming-Montreal Framework. The President-Designate also attended a Ministerial Breakfast on “Strengthening Action for Peace with Nature: Integrated Solutions to the Climate Crisis, Biodiversity Loss, Desertification, and Pollution” and participated in the conference’s Opening Plenary meeting, where he joined international dignitaries to support the launch of the “World Coalition for Peace with Nature,” an initiative aimed at integrating climate action with global peace efforts. During the High-Level Ministerial Segment, the President Designate engaged with ministers and leaders to promote impactful climate finance and sustainable development solutions. Looking Forward to COP29 The COP29 President-Designate’s trip to Colombia for the COP16 Convention on Biological Diversity served as a crucial steppingstone in the lead-up to COP29 in Azerbaijan. Through the Rio Trio Initiative—a collaborative effort between Azerbaijan, Colombia, and Saudi Arabia under the COP29 Presidency—the President-Designate fostered vital connections and engaged in meaningful dialogues with international leaders, underscoring the importance of collective action in addressing the interconnected challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and desertification. As the world prepares for COP29, these discussions will not only help shape a unified global response but also inspire the commitment necessary to drive impactful solutions for a sustainable future. The insights gained and partnerships forged during this trip lay the groundwork for a robust agenda at COP29, reinforcing the call for urgent and coordinated action to protect our planet and promote a harmonious relationship between humanity and nature.

01 Nov, 2024

COP29 Green Zone Tickets Available Soon

Free tickets for the COP29 Green Zone will be available online from November 9. Open to the public, the Green Zone will be part of COP29 in Baku, 11-22 November. In addition to the Blue Zone, the official negotiating hub managed by the UNFCCC, COP29 will feature a Green Zone. Organized and managed by the COP29 Presidency, the Green Zone will focus on community engagement, technological solutions, and global collaboration. The Green Zone will bring together a diverse range of stakeholders, including government and private sector representatives, media, academics, experts, local communities, civil society organizations, and delegates from the official Blue Zone. The GZ programming outlines a wide range of initiatives and discussions on sustainability and climate action across various sectors, highlighting the importance of empowering youth, women, and local communities in advocating for climate change solutions. Additionally, there are calls for enhanced collaboration between NGOs, businesses, and higher education institutions to advance sustainability. Free tickets to the Green Zone, open to anyone interested in learning more about climate action, will be available electronically via the iTicket platform. To align with the COP29’s sustainability principles, printed tickets are unnecessary; electronic tickets will be sufficient. Due to anticipated high demand, COP29 Green Zone tickets must be obtained separately for each day and time slot within the conference period. Tickets will be released two days prior to each day of the conference. For more information on GZ tickets, please visit the specific section on the official COP29 website. For any questions, please contact ticketing@cop29.az.

31 Oct, 2024

COP29 Azerbaijan OC and Azerenerji’s Green Energy Power Plant Sign a Memorandum of Understanding

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company and Green Energy Power Plant LLC under Azerenerji OJSC. This agreement ensures that the Baku Stadium, venue for COP29, will be powered entirely by renewable energy sources throughout the conference. The MoU was signed by Hikmat Mustafayev, Chief of Staff at the COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company and Emil Ibadov, Green Energy Power Plant LLC. The document also outlines a five-party agreement between COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company, Azerenerji OJSC, Azerishig OJSC, Stadium Operating Company LLC, and Green Energy Power Plant LLC to ensure effective collaboration and coordination in delivering the renewable energy supply. Speaking at the event, Ayan Najaf, a member of the Coordination Board and Spokesperson for the COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company, stated: “COP29 has set several precedents in sustainable event operations and management, significantly boosting the promotion and implementation of sustainable practices and the green transition in the country. We are confident that various event infrastructures and venues will be managed with environmental responsibility, focusing on energy efficiency and green energy supplies, following the example set by Baku Stadium.” Following on, Director of Green Energy Power Plant LLC Emil Ibadov highlighted President Ilham Aliyev’s vision to transform the liberated territories into a green energy zone and make efficient use of the region’s hydropower potential. He noted that the company currently generates green energy from 32 small hydropower plants in the Karabakh region, with a total capacity of 270 MW, and stressed the vital role of such projects in combating climate change. It is worth noting that the COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company has already implemented measures to reduce the conference’s carbon footprint and environmental impact. These measures include using Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO) instead of diesel in generators for temporary structures around the Baku Stadium and installing energy-efficient equipment throughout the stadium and its surrounding buildings.

29 Oct, 2024

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”.

28 Oct, 2024

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.

26 Oct, 2024

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.

25 Oct, 2024

Digital Transport Map Launched for COP29

In anticipation of visitors from around the globe arriving for the COP29 climate conference in Baku from November 11 to 22, the COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company has launched a Digital Transport Map. This online resource provides key information on strategically located transport hubs, venue access and hotel accommodation enabling users to easily manage their transport requirements during COP29. The network of transport hubs covers strategic locations across the city and combines a range of routes and transport schemes. The hubs link delegates and visitors from their accommodation to Baku Stadium by providing easy access to a range of multi-modal transport options including shuttle buses, metro lines and metro stations and taxis. The newly launched Digital Transport Map – available on the COP29 website – is designed to show users where the key hubs are located. These hubs have been designed to optimise and simplify delegates’ journeys by effectively linking together journeys between hubs, the venue and accommodation throughout COP29. This user-friendly resource provides navigation to the Baku Stadium, including the Blue and Green Zones, Heydar Aliyev Airport, major hotels and residential complexes, along with the COP29 transport hub network and relevant shuttle services and express airport transfer routes. It also includes information on parking areas, bus stops, and pick-up and drop-off points. Users can select the most efficient routes for driving or walking between destination points by selecting the relevant fields on the digital transport map. The interactive transport map is one of several measures that the COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company is introducing to effectively handle the influx of visitors during the conference, ensuring smooth and comfortable movement for both guests and city residents for the duration of COP29. Other measures being introduced include deployment of hundreds of taxis and close to 400 buses will be put into service, including express public buses, dedicated conference shuttles, and airport transfers, all aimed at providing reliable passenger transport services. Moreover, the Government of Azerbaijan is pleased to offer accredited participants access to complimentary city and airport shuttle services, as well as free access to public transport during the conference from the 11th- 22nd November. Free access to public transport in addition to the complimentary shuttle services for delegates goes beyond UNFCCC requirements and indicates how Azerbaijan is exceeding the expectations of the host country by ensuring delegates have access to several forms of free transport in Baku during COP29. To gain free access to the complimentary shuttle services and public transport (which includes the metro, trains, and regular buses) delegates must present their accreditation or letter of confirmation from UNFCCC. All information regarding access to the conference transport services can be found on the COP29 website. The interactive digital map encompasses just one part of the Operating Company’s approach to transport. The creation of this new, multi-modal transport system is designed to ensure a safe and frictionless travel experience, and the Operating Company’s planning and approach are shaped to fit around the entire, end-to-end experience that a passenger will have during their stay in Azerbaijan. From the moment they set foot in the airport, to getting to and from their accommodation, as well as accessing the venue. Our strategy brings together a whole of government approach across multiple agencies that are helping to facilitate each step of the way.

24 Oct, 2024

Winners Announced for International Photo Competition “Climate Action in Focus”

The winners of the international photo competition “Climate Action in Focus”, organised by the COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company, have been announced. This initiative was established to raise awareness about climate change and contribute to environmental protection efforts. Launched on August 1st, the competition, which has now come to a close, invited photographers from around the world to join the climate conversation through visual storytelling, shining a spotlight on urgent climate issues and raising awareness. The project highlighted the significant role of photography and the arts as a catalyst for climate action. Nearly 20 photographers from around the world submitted their original works to capture the impacts of climate change on various aspects of our lives from different perspectives. Alongside Azerbaijani photographers, artists from the United States, Germany, Spain, Italy, Poland, Hungary, Russia, India, Argentina, Myanmar, Nigeria, Tajikistan, Nepal, Iraq, and Afghanistan participated in the competition. After by a jury of professional photographers, the winners have been announced. First place was awarded to Myanmar photographer So Pyay Lynn for his powerful image titled Hard Life. Hungarian photographer Adam Fath earned second place with his evocative piece, Flowers of the Drying Lake, while Nigerian photographer Adebote Mayowa secured third place for his work Makoko. These images highlight the global impact of climate change, encouraging viewers to consider solutions to this collective challenge and promoting a deeper understanding of the issue. An exhibition showcasing selected photographs from the project will take place on November 20 at the Azerbaijan Pavilion within the Green Zone during COP29. Situated within this hub of climate action, the photo exhibition will provide participants and winners with the opportunity to convey their messages to a global audience through their artworks. Moreover, it will facilitate networking and enhance international awareness of the critical issues showcased.

24 Oct, 2024

Media Workshop Held on ESG Reporting

On October 21st, the COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company, in partnership with Coca-Cola Azerbaijan, hosted a workshop for media representatives on understanding Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reports and how to correctly interpret them. Due to the increasing importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reports within the context of sustainable development, the workshop aimed to equip 60 local media representatives (from television and information agencies) with insights into the comprehensive definition and analysis of ESG reports. The workshop sought to promote greater awareness of ESG reporting and encourage the use of practical analytical methods. At the opening of the event, Ayan Najaf, a member of the Coordination Board and Spokesperson for the COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company, alongside Elshad Farzaliyev, Senior Director of Public Affairs, Communications & Sustainability for Eurasia and the Middle East at Coca-Cola Azerbaijan, delivered welcoming addresses. They underscored the vital role of the media in shaping public discourse on sustainability issues, noting the importance of ESG reports in communicating information accurately and impactfully to the wider public. The workshop featured a keynote presentation from Serdar Turan, Editor-in-Chief of Harvard Business Review Türkiye, who offered a thorough overview of the significant changes in the business landscape and the pivotal role that sustainability plays in shaping these ESG developments. He also covered topics such as shifting habits in news consumption, the contrast between traditional and digital news strategies, and the importance of embracing diverse viewpoints. Following this, Coca Cola’s Elshad Farzaliyev, examined the solutions essential for securing a better future, illustrating his points with Coca-Cola’s sustainability policies and practices as a prime example. The workshop continued with presentations from leading experts at PwC Azerbaijan, including Leyla Sadikhova, Senior Manager of Legal and Sustainability/ESG, and Gunay Asgarova, Senior Manager of Assurance and Advisory Services (CMAAS) in Accounting and Sustainability. They offered participants valuable insights into reading and analysing ESG reports, as well as the legal framework governing ESG in Azerbaijan. In addition to the workshop session, the COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company also hosted a briefing session that featured several informative presentations. This included: Ismayil Isayev, a member of the COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company’s Coordination Board; Kamal Mammadov, Head of the Accessibility Department; Ilkin Javadov, Head of Visitor Experience; Orkhan Mahmudlu, Head of Transport and City Operations; and Pirim Pirimov, Director of Media Operations. Each of these spokespeople provided participants with insights into COP29 operations and readiness to host the conference, addressing key topics such as media services, visitor experience, accommodation options, transportation, and catering.

22 Oct, 2024

COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company rolls out Sustainable Energy Solutions at Conference Venue

The COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company will implement sustainable energy solutions at the conference venue as part of a commitment to promote sustainability across all aspects of the event and minimise environmental impact. To support this goal, hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) is being used as an important source of power for Baku Stadium, the venue for COP29. The Operating Company is organising the COP29 Conference based on a sustainability policy that features seven commitments. The first of these commitments is achieving carbon neutrality by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through renewable energy use, energy efficiency, and offsetting unavoidable emissions. The second is encouraging sustainable practices such as reducing single-use plastics, promoting sustainable transportation, and adopting environmentally friendly procurement. One of the priority initiatives that fits under these two commitments is the selection and use of hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) as an alternative to fossil fuels for powering parts of the venue. This effort is designed to support the significant reduction of GHG emissions associated with energy use during the conference. Hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) is a low-carbon fuel source, with the emissions released during its combustion offset by the carbon dioxide absorbed by the biomass used in its production, making HVO a more sustainable alternative to conventional fossil fuels. HVO significantly lowers harmful pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides (NOx), and sulphur oxides (SOx), enhancing air quality in and around the venue. In addition to HVO, renewable energy will power other sections of the venue throughout the event period. This innovative programme will be implemented with the support of SOCAR Green, the COP29 Energy Transition Partner, which has been instrumental in securing the necessary volumes of HVO to power the venue. This reflects Azerbaijan’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions and the country's broader goal to transition to a low-carbon energy future. The COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company is confident that this approach will serve as a model for other international events and will reinforce its commitment to hosting a sustainable and carbon-neutral conference.

22 Oct, 2024