Pre-COP Event in Baku Highlights the Crucial Role of Human Development in Climate Action

The event marked the announcement of the Baku Initiative on Human Development for Climate Resilience, developed through inclusive multistakeholder consultations, including with WHO, UNESCO, UNDP, UNICEF, ILO, and Multilateral Development Banks, as well as with civil society and philanthropies. The event was attended by representatives from national governments, international organizations, and civil society, who gathered to share insights and perspectives on the integration of human development into climate resilience strategies.

The event featured opening remarks by H.E. Mr. Yalchin Rafiyev, COP29 Lead Negotiator, who emphasized the initiative’s goal of strengthening resilience to the impacts of climate change by advancing human development through education, health, social protection, and green jobs and skills, with a special focus on children and youth. 

The first panel, moderated by Ms. Vladanka Andreeva, UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan, explored the nexus between climate change and human development. Speakers included Hasan Hasanli, Deputy Minister of Science and Education of Azerbaijan; Saja Farooq Abdullah, UNICEF Representative in Azerbaijan; Troy Dooley, Chief of IOM Azerbaijan; Nigar Arpadarai, COP29 High-Level Champion, Yashar Hamzayev, ILO National Coordinator for Azerbaijan; and  Kamran Mashhadi, Officer in Charge at WHO Azerbaijan. Discussions underscored the critical role of education, green jobs, and health in shaping a climate-resilient society, as well as the importance of empowering children and youth.

The second panel, moderated by Sunniya Durrani-Jamal, ADB Country Director in Azerbaijan, addressed scaling up financing for human development in climate action. Panelists included Azar Bayramov, Director of OIC Labour Centre; Alessandra Roccasalvo, UNDP Resident Representative in Azerbaijan; Ahmet Levent Yener, Practice Leader for Human Development in the South Caucasus, World Bank; John Fairhurst, Head of Private Sector, The Global Fund; Jan-Willem van de Ven, Head of International Policy & Engagement, EBRD; and Bert De Wel, Global Climate Policy Coordinator, ITUC and focal point for TUNGO. The speakers discussed innovative financing mechanisms and cross-sector partnerships to bolster investments in human development.

The event reinforced the critical role of human development in shaping climate action, and the feedback from stakeholders will guide the continued development of the Baku Initiative on Human Development for Climate Resilience ahead of COP29.