UN in Azerbaijan Newsletter

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.

Brief 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.

On 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.

The “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.

Seven 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.

UNFPA 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.

UNFPA 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.

On 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.

Unicef 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.

A 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.

UNICEF 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.

WHO, 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.

UNFPA 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.

Afghan 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.

UNDP 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.

As 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.

On 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.

On 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.

UNICEF, 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.