COP29 Organising Committee convenes fifth meeting

Sustainability Training for Local Hotels in the Lead-Up to COP29

In preparation for COP29, scheduled to be held in Baku from 11th to 22nd November, the COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company, together with the State Tourism Agency, and the Azerbaijan Hotel Association is taking significant action to bolster sustainability competencies across all key members of staff. In support of this, hotels across Baku are participating in specialised training sessions. The training sessions, designed in line with the Sustainability Guidelines developed by the COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company and conducted by specialists from the relevant departments, aim to boost the sustainability potential of the local hotel sector whilst aligning with international standards. These sessions target hotels across Baku, the Absheron Peninsula, and Sumgayit. These sessions aim to ensure local hotels adhere to high safety standards and expand their knowledge of principles such as inclusivity and accessibility. The Sustainability Guidelines created by the COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company for the hotel and hospitality sector incorporate the latest international best practices. The guidelines tackle key issues, such as the promotion of responsible resource management, support for the local economy, and the assurance of inclusivity, all aimed at achieving positive ecological, social, and economic outcomes. A central focus of the guidelines is to promote inclusivity, highlighting that all hotel infrastructure and services, from when guests first enter the building, must be safe and accessible for every visitor. The guidelines also encourage collaboration with local businesses and suppliers to reduce carbon emissions in the transportation sector, recommending the implementation of appropriate infrastructure and practices to conserve energy consumption and vital resources such as water. They also strive to reduce waste production - including plastics - and advocate for the creation of efficient management systems for recycling processes.

22 Oct, 2024

Initial Registration Figures for COP29 Revealed

The registration process for delegations from various countries participating in the COP29, hosted by Azerbaijan this November, is progressing smoothly. As of the current date, the number of participants who have successfully registered for COP29 has surpassed 32,000. It is noteworthy that the registration process for this international climate conference commenced on June 24 of this year. Interest from diverse countries around the globe to participate in the conference is evident through the daily rise in registered attendees. Considering the tendency for most delegations to register closer to the conference date, a further increase in registration numbers is expected in the coming weeks as the process moves forward. The COP29, to be held in Baku from November 11-22, will serve as a main platform for shaping international climate policy and will be the focal point for discussions on combating climate change worldwide. Preparations are ongoing to welcome thousands of representatives from numerous countries to Baku for these critical discussions.

21 Oct, 2024

COP29 Presidency publishes final texts of Declarations and Pledges for upcoming UN Climate Summit

The COP29 Presidency today published the final texts of nine Declarations and Pledges as part of its Action Agenda for the upcoming UN climate summit in Baku this November. These documents provide pathways for all global actors to come together and commit to enhanced ambition across key climate priorities. The COP29 Presidency’s Action Agenda, first outlined in an open letter to Parties and Constituencies in September, is a comprehensive set of initiatives designed to complement the formal UNFCCC negotiation process. While not part of the official negotiations, these Declarations and Pledges aim to catalyse action and ambition across all sectors of society. With the final texts now published, government and non-government stakeholders have the opportunity to endorse these documents, which will be formally launched at the COP29 climate summit in November. The texts, finalised following a period of public consultation, include: COP29 Truce Appeal COP29 Global Energy Storage and Grids Pledge COP29 Green Energy Zones and Corridors Pledge COP29 Hydrogen Declaration COP29 Declaration on Green Digital Action COP29 Declaration on Reducing Methane from Organic Waste COP29 Multisectoral Actions Pathways (MAP) Declaration to Resilient and Healthy Cities COP29 Declaration on Enhanced Action in Tourism COP29 Declaration on Water for Climate Action The COP29 Truce Appeal has already gained significant traction, with support from 127 countries and nearly 1,100 non-state actors. It calls for a pause in conflicts during the COP29 period to reduce emissions from military activities and promote global peace. In line with the COP29 Presidency’s two-pillar plan for the year, the Declarations and Pledges aim to enhance ambition across all climate pillars. They present opportunities for governments to incorporate sectoral targets into national climate plans and for stakeholders to agree on principles to strengthen collective climate efforts. Alongside the Declarations and Pledges, the COP29 Presidency will release a programme of Presidency-hosted events for the UN climate summit. These sessions will bring together relevant stakeholders for focused discussions on thematic items and serve as platforms to launch the various declarations. COP29 President-Designate Mukhtar Babayev said: "These Declarations and Pledges are vital tools to drive progress on climate action. They send strong market signals, help direct financial flows, and foster a sense of shared responsibility. I call on all parties and non-state actors to endorse these documents and help build momentum ahead of COP29. While signing these pledges alone will not deliver the changes we need, they play a significant role in supporting the COP29 Presidency’s vision to enhance ambition and enable action." He added, "The final texts reflect valuable input from a wide range of stakeholders, demonstrating the power of inclusive and transparent processes in addressing the climate crisis. We thank our partners for their collaboration throughout this process. We are particularly encouraged by the early support for the COP Truce Appeal, which highlights the interconnectedness of climate action and global peace." These initiatives are designed to complement, not replace, the critical work of the formal UNFCCC negotiations. They provide additional avenues for commitment and action, particularly for non-state actors who play a crucial role in the global response to climate change. The Presidency encourages all stakeholders to review the final texts and consider endorsing these important climate initiatives, which collectively aim to accelerate progress towards the goals of the Paris Agreement.

21 Oct, 2024

COP29 Staff Uniforms Unveiled

The uniforms for over 10,000 personnel set to support the 29th session of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), taking place in Baku from 11th -22nd November, have been officially unveiled. The COP29 uniforms have been crafted to embody the colours and style of the event, highlighting equality, team spirit, and environmental stewardship amongst the staff organising and delivering various operations during the conference. The thoughtfully designed uniform sets include long and short-sleeve polo shirts, trousers, caps, hoodies, and both waist and shoulder bags, ensuring that all employees have a comfortable and functional uniform. In keeping with the ethos of the COP29 climate conference, the uniform has been designed with sustainability at its core. The items are made from eco-friendly and recyclable materials, aligning with COP29’s dedication to tackling climate change. Moreover, in line with COP29’s commitment to reduce carbon footprint and emissions, uniforms are being provided by a local partner.

21 Oct, 2024

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.

19 Oct, 2024

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.

19 Oct, 2024

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.

17 Oct, 2024

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.

17 Oct, 2024

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.

15 Oct, 2024

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.

15 Oct, 2024