Azerbaijan readies for major global climate conference

The issue of climate change is a global challenge that affects every nation and individual. It is a crisis that cannot be addressed in isolation; only through collective action can we effectively combat its impacts. In this context, climate activists and representatives from around the world will convene in Baku from November 11 to 22 for the COP29 conference, which aims to tackle this pressing global issue.

In anticipation of this significant event, it is projected that between 70,000 to 80,000 attendees will come to Azerbaijan. This influx necessitates comprehensive readiness across various sectors, including transportation, hospitality, food safety, and healthcare, to ensure a successful COP29.

To facilitate preparations, the COP29 Organizing Committee convened for its eighth meeting on October 31. At this meeting, Samir Nuriyev, head of the Presidential Administration and chairman of the Organizing Committee, emphasized that, in line with President Ilham Aliyev's directives, the preparations for COP29 have accelerated and are nearing completion since the last gathering.

On October 17, President Ilham Aliyev reviewed the extensive preparatory works at the Baku Olympic Stadium and provided further instructions. The Chairman of the Organizing Committee announced that over 100 heads of state, government officials, and vice presidents are expected to participate in the COP29 Leaders' Summit, reflecting strong international respect for Azerbaijan and President Aliyev. This summit is scheduled for November 12-13 as part of COP29.

During the event, speakers emphasized the critical issue of climate financing, which will be the central theme of COP29. In his address at the Pre-COP29 event in Baku on October 10-11, President Aliyev highlighted the importance of reaching an agreement on a new climate finance target at COP29, with the anticipated "Baku Agreement" being a key initiative.

The Chairman of the Organizing Committee noted that the "Baku Agreement" will be recognized as a significant achievement for the international community. Samir Nuriyev remarked that discussions with foreign partners indicate an increased likelihood of successful outcomes at COP29.

The head of the Presidential Administration underscored the importance of implementing the Transportation Plan developed for the efficient organization of transportation in Baku during COP29. Given the influx of thousands of visitors from around the world, the COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company, the Azerbaijan Land Transport Agency, and the Baku City State Traffic Police are collaborating to optimize transportation strategies.

To manage the expected high volume of visitors and ensure smooth transit for both guests and local residents, special COP29 traffic lanes are being established on several central streets of Baku. Marked with the COP29 logo, these lanes will be reserved for event-related traffic, facilitating rapid and uninterrupted movement. During the conference, these lanes will be accessible exclusively to public transportation and vehicles with special permits.

Additionally, 14 transport hubs will be set up across key areas of the city to enhance connectivity. These hubs have been strategically planned, considering the proximity to Baku Stadium, metro stations, hotels, and residential complexes, thereby providing efficient transport options.

This network will enable both guests and residents to access various modes of transportation conveniently, significantly reducing travel times. To support the event’s transportation needs, operations will include hundreds of taxis and approximately 400 buses, including express public buses and special conference shuttles. A robust passenger transportation service will be implemented to minimize the reliance on private vehicles during the event.

Mukhtar Babayev, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources and President Designate of COP29, provided an update on the overall progress regarding COP29. He highlighted the relevance of the ongoing annual sessions of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group, as well as the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity currently taking place in Colombia.

Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Head of the Department of Foreign Policy Affairs, discussed the media and communication initiatives undertaken and the significant contributions of civil society to COP29.

Anar Alakbarov, another Assistant to the President, addressed the developments at the Baku Olympic Stadium, traffic management in the capital, and other organizational and logistical aspects related to the summit.

Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov emphasized the important documents to be adopted during COP29, particularly the current status of the new climate finance target.

Minister of Energy Parviz Shahbazov reported on Azerbaijan’s initiatives in the field of green energy and outlined the events planned under the Ministry of Energy during COP29.

Nigar Arpadarai, Deputy of the Milli Majlis (Parliament) of Azerbaijan and COP29's high-level champion on climate change, provided insights into the Baku Climate Week and related events.

Vusal Huseynov, Head of the State Migration Service, discussed migration management in the context of organizing COP29. Ilgar Musayev, Head of the Special Communication and Information Security State Service, informed the group about efforts to ensure information security during the event.

As COP29 approaches, Azerbaijan is mobilizing extensive resources to ensure a successful conference, with significant participation from global leaders and climate activists. The focus on climate financing and collaborative initiatives underscores the urgency of addressing climate change as a collective challenge. With comprehensive plans in place for transportation, hospitality, and logistics, Azerbaijan is poised to demonstrate its commitment to international climate efforts and facilitate meaningful dialogue at this pivotal event. Under the guidance of President Ilham Aliyev, the preparations reflect a strong determination to achieve significant outcomes, including the anticipated "Baku Agreement." As the world converges in Baku from November 11 to 22, the collaborative spirit of COP29 will be instrumental in shaping the future of global climate action.