Climate & Sustainability UpdatesClimate & Sustainability NEWSLETTER #3 In November, Azerbaijan hosted COP29, which brought together leaders and negotiators from around the world to discuss and agree on actions to address the climate crisis. Beyond the formal negotiations, COP29 featured numerous side events and dialogues, fostering collaboration and strengthening partnerships for global, collective and inclusive climate action.During COP29 in Baku, the United Nations Country Team in Azerbaijan had the privilege of meeting the UN Secretary-General António Guterres. The Secretary-General reaffirmed his trust in the UN Azerbaijan’s role in supporting the country’s progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). His message highlighted the shared commitment to ensuring no one is left behind on the path to sustainable development.  ON THE ROAD TO COP29 The "29 Climate Conversations: The Road to COP29" series, spearheaded by the United Nations in Azerbaijan, continues to serve as a powerful catalyst for climate dialogue and action as the country prepares to host COP29 this November. Over the past months, the series has featured impactful events that delve into vital intersections of climate action, from digital innovation and just transition to reproductive health and green finance. Each conversation has convened a wide array of stakeholders - government representatives, international organizations, civil society, and private sector leaders to foster collaborative, innovative approaches for a sustainable future.  27th Climate Conversation: “Green Business and Eco-Leadership Development Programme for Women Entrepreneurs”, November 4-5The "Green Business and Eco-Leadership Development Program for Women Entrepreneurs," part of the “29 Climate Conversations: The Road to COP29” initiative, organized by Gender Hub, concluded in Lankaran with the support of Trendyol and the UN Office in Azerbaijan. The program brought together 35 women from across Azerbaijan, offering training on eco-friendly entrepreneurship, sustainable business practices, and climate action.28th Climate Conversation: “Dialogue between ASG for Youth Affairs & Young People of Azerbaijan on Climate Action”, November 9Youth Climate Envoys, as part of a joint initiative by UNICEF Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, and members of the UN Youth Advisory Council met with Felipe Pallier, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs and Vladanka Andreeva, UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan. During the meeting, the young people exchange with ASG Pallier on their role in taking forward the Pact for the Future and Declaration on Future Generations through climate action in Azerbaijan. Key Events at COP29: Driving Global Climate Action and Sustainable DevelopmentAt COP29, the UN Azerbaijan Pavilion served as a dynamic platform to showcase our nation's dedication to climate action and sustainability. Designed to foster meaningful conversations and inspire innovative solutions, the pavilion highlighted Azerbaijan’s efforts to align with global environmental goals while addressing local challenges.   Climate Dialogues at the UN Azerbaijan Pavilion – COP29 HighlightsOne of the key features of our pavilion was the 4 Climate Dialogues, a series of high-level interviews with distinguished experts and leaders, emphasizing critical climate-related topics. These dialogues provided unique insights into strategies for sustainable development and highlighted actionable steps for fostering resilience in Azerbaijan and beyond.Azerbaijan Signs the Declaration on Children, Youth, and Climate Action, November 11At the opening of COP29, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Mukhtar Babayev, signed the Declaration on Children, Youth, and Climate Action, committing to center children in climate policy. The ceremony was attended by UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell, Youth Climate Champion Leyla Hasanova, and other high-level officials.Read more  Refugee Volunteer Advocates Renewable Energy at COP29, November 12Brief Information: On November 12, Mahdi, an Afghan refugee, a DAFI scholar, and a volunteer at COP29, presenting his solar power project to UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi. He highlighted the potential of renewable energy in addressing climate challenges.Read more Refugee Voices Amplified at COP29 Summit, November 14On November 14, refugee climate activists at COP29 urged leaders to address the gaps in climate financing for displaced communities. UNHCR launched the Refugees for Climate Action network and signed a historic agreement with the Green Climate Fund.Read more COP Simulation Side Event, November 14The “COP Simulation: Shaping Outcomes” side event, held at the UNDP pavilion during COP29, showcased a series of climate solutions proposed by participants based on their research. These solutions focused on key topics of the COP29 Simulation Declaration, including mitigation and the role of technology in enhancing climate resilience.Read more Side Event on Youth and Climate Action, November 14, 2024UNFPA Azerbaijan organized a side event focused on youth involvement in climate action at COP29. The event highlighted the need for empowering young people to lead climate solutions and engage in decision-making processes.Read more Mine Action Side Event, November 16, 2024On November 16, UNDP and ANAMA organized the “Clearing a Path: Mine Action for Climate Resilience and Sustainable Development” side event at COP29. The session highlighted the critical impact of landmines on natural resources, explored eco-friendly demining practices, and discussed the integration of technological innovations and nature-based solutions to rehabilitate mine-affected landscapes while preserving biodiversity.Read more Empowering Women for Climate Action, November 16, 2024Empowering Women for Climate Action, November 16, 2024 On November 16, UNFPA Azerbaijan hosted a session that emphasized the role of women in climate action. The event brought together women leaders to discuss gender equality, sustainable practices, and how women’s leadership can drive climate resilience.Read more   UNICEF Child and Youth Climate Advocates at COP29, November 18Seven child and youth climate advocates from across the globe held a press conference at COP29, calling for children's needs and rights to be included in climate policy. They shared personal stories of how climate change impacts their communities and urged for immediate global action.Read more Climate Adaptation for Vulnerable Populations, November 18, 2024UNFPA Azerbaijan held a session addressing the climate adaptation needs of vulnerable populations, focusing on the intersection of gender, health, and climate change. The discussion underscored the importance of inclusive and equitable solutions to climate impacts.Read more Promoting Youth Leadership in Climate Resilience, November 19, 2024UNFPA Azerbaijan hosted an event to showcase the leadership of young people in advancing climate resilience. Youth leaders shared their experiences and innovations, emphasizing the importance of youth-driven climate solutions.Read more  Panel Discussion on “Women’s Perspectives on the Climate-Water Nexus and Human Mobility” at UNCT Pavilion, COP29, November 19On Water Day at COP29, UN Women ECA, the COP29 Presidency, and IOM hosted a panel discussing the critical link between climate, water, and human mobility. The event highlighted the urgent need for gender-responsive policies to address water stress, which currently affects 380 million women and girls.Read more Visions of a Brighter Future Exhibition, November 20Unicef Azerbaijan, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, organized the “Listen to the Future” exhibition to mark World Children’s Day. The exhibition showcased hopes and climate-related ideas of children from over 20 countries in the region.Read more Listen to the Future Discussion with Youth Climate Champion, November 20A dynamic discussion took place with UN Resident Coordinator Vladanka Andreeva, UNICEF Representative Saja Farooq Abdullah, and Youth Climate Champion Leyla Hasanova. Youth climate envoys shared their perspectives on how COP29 inspired new ideas and connections for a sustainable future.Read more  World Children’s Day, November 20UNICEF Azerbaijan marked World Children’s Day with multiple events, including the "Visions of a Brighter Future" exhibition, "The Kids Takeover," and the "Listen to the Future" discussion. In a symbolic act, Baku’s iconic Flame Towers were lit in blue, joining the global Light Up Blue campaign.Read more Joint Event at COP29 Health Pavilion, November 20WHO, IOM, UNHCR, and IFRC hosted an event at the Health Pavilion in COP29's Blue Zone, addressing the intersection of climate change, health, and displacement. The session highlighted strategies for protecting vulnerable communities and fostering global collaboration.Read more Gender Equality and Climate Action, November 20, 2024UNFPA Azerbaijan facilitated a discussion on the critical link between gender equality and climate action. The event explored how women and girls can play a key role in shaping climate policies and ensuring sustainable development.Read more  Refugee Volunteer Drives Inclusivity at COP29, November 21Afghan refugee Mujtaba, a DAFI scholar supported by UNHCR, volunteered at COP29, assisting guests and promoting inclusivity. His efforts highlighted the crucial role refugees play in advancing global climate action and showcased Azerbaijan's commitment to hosting impactful environmental events.Read more Sustainability in Action: COP29 Quiz Challenge Side Event, November 21UNDP Azerbaijan hosted an event aimed to engage participants in exploring environmental and climate-related practices through a fun, dynamic quiz format. The quiz encouraged awareness, tested knowledge, and promoted action towards climate resilience, with top performers receiving e-readers as prizes.Read more Smart Cities and Urban Planning Innovation for Resilience Side Event, November 21As part of COP29, the “Smart Cities and Urban Planning Innovation for Resilience” side event, organized by UNDP Azerbaijan, explored the transformative role of technologies like satellite imagery and drones in modern urban planning. The session focused on how these innovations can help cities adapt to climate change and enhance climate resilience.Read more  Empowering Climate Resilience through NAPs Side Event, November 21On November 21, the “Empowering Climate Resilience through NAPs” side event took place, organized by UNDP in collaboration with the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan. The panel, moderated by UNDP discussed the successes and challenges of advancing National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), with experts from Azerbaijan, Türkiye, the Green Climate Fund, IOM, and UNFCCC.Read more Women Leading the Way Side Event, November 22On November 22, COP29 saw the “Women Leading the Way” side event, which focused on the critical role women play in driving climate action. The event highlighted the importance of gender equality in advancing climate resilience and sustainability.Read more Seminar on Social Protection of Populations in Crisis Situations, November 25UNICEF, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, hosted a seminar on strengthening social protection systems during crises. The seminar brought together government officials and local authorities to discuss resilience and sustainability strategies in Azerbaijan.Read more Capacity Building for Climate Adaptation  Pre-COP Event: Empowering Youth for Inclusive Climate Action, November 2, 2024On November 2, UNHCR Azerbaijan, ADA University, and himate.az held an info session aimed at empowering refugees and IDP youth with job market skills. The event focused on advancing SDG 8 and fostering inclusivity in climate action.Read moreSub-regional Technical Workshop on Assistive Technologies, November 28–29The WHO, in collaboration with national stakeholders and supported by ATscale, hosted a two-day workshop in Baku to improve the quality and accessibility of assistive technologies in Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Tajikistan. Over 30 participants, including government officials and experts, focused on developing product specifications, ensuring compliance with international standards, and conducting quality inspections.  www.azerbaijan.un.org
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