Sustainable development and international cooperation play a crucial role in the successful execution of COP29.
Their duties include drafting agendas and themes, inviting dignitaries and participants, organizing logistics such as accommodation and transport facilities, and ensuring adequate security measures. To increase the effectiveness of these efforts, it is important to promote them among citizens and raise awareness of global issues. Civil society organizations (CSOs) are instrumental in advocating for sustainable development and holding governments accountable for their actions. These platforms allow citizens to discuss environmental issues and propose solutions that can be incorporated into global policies. For example, the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan, together with the Agency for State Support to Non-Governmental Organizations announced the competition “International Initiatives related to COP29” for NGOs on July 15, 2024. In line with this perspective, youth groups have become key stakeholders in climate change negotiations, using their collective voices to proactively engage with policymakers.
COP29 will provide a platform for sharing best practices in strategic management, including workshops and seminars to build delegates' capacity and encourage peer learning from different countries' experiences in addressing climate change. The summit will host side events that include workshops and seminars to build delegates' capacity while encouraging peer learning from different countries’ experiences in addressing climate change issues. The country’s commitment to environmental conservation is visible through its hosting efforts, which further enhance its image globally while attracting more international visitors who frequent such conventions. It also opens up dialogue about significant matters affecting our planet because it contributes positively towards promoting sustainable tourism industries worldwide, thereby generating economic benefits too. This covers transport planning to cut down carbon output, waste handling methods to boost recycling and cut landfill trash, and online tools to help delegates contribute better, making the summit more accessible.
Key to Azerbaijan's role as COP29 host is its plan to use cutting-edge technology to get people more involved and run things. They will use VR and AR to create life experiences, letting delegates check out new green fixes and participate in remote discussions. Moreover, Azerbaijan's spending on digital systems for quick data study and choice-making shows how much they want technology to run events in a green way. Azerbaijan shows its commitment to sustainability through its spending on green infrastructure. The summit's locations and buildings are built with the environment in mind. They have solar panels to make clean energy, systems to collect rainwater to save water, and green areas to help nature thrive in cities. These efforts also set an example for how to run events around the world. Strong environmental policies that control all parts of COP29 add to these efforts. Azerbaijan has put in place strict rules on carbon emissions, waste management, and resource use. These rules make sure the country follows global sustainability standards and shows its dedication to protecting the environment. As an example, Azerbaijan plans to cut its carbon emissions by 35% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, which fits with its national climate goals.
Moreover, teamwork with local environmental NGOs and global organizations has made it easier to share knowledge and build skills. This helps local communities and creates a culture of sustainability that lasts beyond the summit. These team efforts have led to projects like the Green Legacy, which aims to plant 5 million trees across Azerbaijan by 2030. This will help absorb carbon and improve green spaces in cities. Apart from the immediate goals of the summit, COP29 aligns with Azerbaijan's long-range plan to develop. This plan includes projects to make a lasting positive change in the environment and society through ongoing efforts and legacy initiatives. Take the "Green Baku" campaign as an example. It urges people to embrace eco-friendly habits like cutting down on single-use plastics and pushing for energy-saving steps in homes and workplaces. Additionally, the community gets involved through volunteer programs, workshops, and educational events. This builds local ownership and boosts the impact of environmental efforts at a grassroots level.
Looking ahead, COP29 shows off the best ways to manage events. By implementing efficient solutions and forward-thinking plans, Azerbaijan aims to keep up the momentum and push its environmental promises beyond the summit. COP29's lasting impact is set to spark real progress in global sustainability. This ensures concrete benefits for future generations and highlights how working together on climate action can lead to big changes. To sum up, COP29 in Baku marks a key moment in the worldwide talk about sustainability. Azerbaijan shows leadership in pushing for real climate action through careful planning, strong efforts to be sustainable, and getting citizens involved. As we see what COP29 leaves behind, it could have lasting good effects on Azerbaijan and the world. This shows how working together can change things as we aim for a future that lasts.
Nigar Abbasova UNEC, İnternational School of Economics (ISE) -1067
