The Head of the Presidential Administration of Azerbaijan and Chairman of the COP 29 Organizing Committee Samir Nuriyev, has disclosed that preparations for the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) are progressing extensively under the direct supervision of President Ilham Aliyev.
Nuriyev made this known during the sixth meeting of the COP29 Organizing Committee held on August 16, 2024.
He underscored President Aliyev’s commitment to fostering global collaboration, as highlighted during his address at the Shusha Global Media Forum on July 20.
The President emphasized the importance of building bridges between developed and developing countries to tackle climate change collectively.
Nuriyev noted that Azerbaijan has ensured full inclusivity in its preparations by extending invitations to all parties under the UNFCCC to participate in the World Leaders Climate Action Summit, slated for November 12-13, 2024.
He also affirmed Azerbaijan’s dedication to narrowing the gap between developed and developing nations on setting new financial targets for climate action.
In line with this, Nuriyev highlighted the innovative informal consultations that took place on July 26-27 in Shamakhy, where heads of delegations from various countries convened to discuss key issues.
He confirmed that the final text of the Host Country Agreement, to be signed between Azerbaijan and the UNFCCC Secretariat, has been fully agreed upon.
The meeting also provided updates on Azerbaijan’s COP29-related initiatives, which have garnered international attention. These initiatives include proposals for a ceasefire during the COP and the establishment of a Climate Finance Action Fund.
Further reports were delivered by various members of the Organizing Committee. Mukhtar Babayev, the Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources and President-Designate of COP29, provided an overview of the preparations, including the informal consultations and upcoming international visits by the COP29 team.
Arif Samadov, Chief of the Protocol Service, detailed the arrangements for the World Leaders Climate Action Summit.
Meanwhile, Minister of Internal Affairs, Vilayat Eyvazov, elaborated on the security measures being put in place to ensure public safety during the event.
Transportation logistics were also discussed, with Minister of Digital Development and Transport, Rashad Nabiyev, emphasizing the readiness of Azerbaijan’s airports to manage the expected influx of delegates.
Nigar Arpadarai, the Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP29, shared updates on her activities, while Elchin Guliyev, Chief of the State Border Service, provided insights into the operational status of border checkpoints.
Organizational and logistical preparations, including work at the Baku Stadium and the designated “Blue” and “Green” zones, were addressed by Narmin Jarchalova, Chief Operating Officer for COP29.
The role of NGOs in supporting the COP29 agenda was highlighted by Maryam Majidova, Chairwoman of the Youth Gender Equality Centre “Gender Hub.”
The meeting concluded with a call for the swift implementation of the COP29 Action Plan and other related tasks, ensuring that Azerbaijan is fully prepared to host the pivotal climate conference.
By Dare Akogun
