The final day of the Baku Climate Action Week (BCAW) concluded with resounding commitments and groundbreaking initiatives, further establishing Azerbaijan’s leadership in global climate action ahead of the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29).
The week-long event, held from September 30 to October 4, brought together over 700 participants across more than 30 events.
It featured international climate experts, government officials, youth, and private sector leaders focusing on themes like green finance, just energy transition, methane abatement, water management, and sustainable food systems.
Breakthrough in Agriculture Transformation
One of the key highlights was the launch of the first standalone Agriculture Report under the Breakthrough Agenda, led by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), in partnership with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and the United Nations Climate Change High-Level Champion.
The report, which outlines critical steps to transform the agriculture sector in alignment with global climate goals, complements The Breakthrough Agenda Report released by the International Energy Agency (IEA) and UN Climate Change High-Level Champions.
It proposes strategies for decarbonising agriculture while ensuring food security, innovation, and resilience.
Youth Empowerment Takes Centre Stage
Youth engagement was also a focus at BCAW with the launch of the Youth Climate Change Network—a platform dedicated to empowering young people to participate in climate solutions and transition efforts.
A flagship event titled ‘Sustainable Future: Youth-led Green Innovations’ provided young entrepreneurs a platform to pitch their sustainable ideas to investors.
Three successful teams received top recognition for their innovative solutions, showcasing the dynamic role of Azerbaijan’s youth in driving green innovations.
The event was hosted in partnership with the Small & Medium Business (SMB) Development Agency of Azerbaijan (KOBIA) and the Ministry of Science and Education, further emphasising youth participation in climate action.
Bridging Art, Culture, and Climate Action
In a unique intersection of art, culture, and climate action, BCAW collaborated with legendary photojournalist REZA and The Landmark Hotel for a viewing of the “Caspian Dreams” exhibition.
The exhibition, which documents the dramatic transformation of Baku, was followed by a talk from the artist, highlighting the role of visual storytelling in addressing climate issues.
Walking the Talk on Climate Action
The week concluded with a “Walk the Talk” Climate Action Walk along Baku Boulevard, drawing attention to the interconnection between climate change, health, well-being, and active lifestyles.
The symbolic walk reinforced the need for continuous community engagement in the fight against climate change.
Global Impact and Future Plans
The success of the Baku Climate Action Week has inspired the possibility of a similar initiative in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, next year.
The Mayor of Rio de Janeiro, Eduardo Paes, announced plans to host Rio Climate Action Week (#RCAW) ahead of COP30 in Belem, Brazil, scheduled for November 2025.
“Rio de Janeiro, like Baku, knows the importance of taking urgent action against climate change while embracing the opportunities of a greener future,” Paes said. “We look forward to joining our sister city Baku in building a bridge from COP29 to COP30 in Brazil and accelerating the green transition.”
With the ambitious outcomes and collaborations achieved at Baku Climate Action Week, Azerbaijan has positioned itself as a critical global player in climate discussions.
The event has built momentum and set the stage for the country to further elevate ambition and action at COP29 in November.
By Dare Akogun
