By Dare Akogun
As Azerbaijan prepares to host COP29 in November, the city of Baku is set to launch its first-ever Climate Action Week, aiming to engage and mobilize society in the lead-up to the United Nations Climate Change Conference.
The event, scheduled from Monday, September 30, to Friday, October 4, will be held under the auspices of Nigar Arpadarai, the COP29 High-Level Champion.
Baku Climate Action Week will be organized in partnership with London Climate Action Week, which is recognized as the world’s largest city-based climate action event.
The week will feature a series of high-level international conferences and local community events, highlighting Baku’s efforts to address climate change and promote international collaboration.
Announcing the event, Arpadarai emphasized the importance of cities and the private sector in driving climate solutions and supporting international diplomacy.
“Azerbaijan is honored to host COP29 in November, and the Presidency is sparing no effort to make it a success. Baku Climate Action Week will play a crucial role in enhancing ambition and enabling action on climate change,” she said.
Mukhtar Babayev, the COP29 President-Designate, described Baku Climate Action Week as a significant milestone in Azerbaijan’s journey toward a green transition.
He called on both developed and developing nations to participate actively, stating, “Azerbaijan hopes to lead by example, and COP29’s vision of enhancing ambition and enabling action needs everyone to play their part.”
Babayev also noted that the event would bring together political and business leaders, local communities, and young people, offering a platform to address the challenges posed by climate change and explore opportunities in renewable energy.
“Baku continues to embrace renewable technology, and we hope that this event will be a major stepping stone toward COP29, showcasing our commitment to mobilizing climate action across the whole of society,” he added.
Eldar Azizov, the Mayor of Baku, expressed pride in the city’s role in hosting such a large-scale event. He assured that preparations are well underway for COP29 and that Baku is on track to deliver a world-class series of events.
“The venues for Baku Climate Action Week have been carefully selected to highlight different aspects of Baku’s rich cultural heritage, reflecting our city’s and country’s transition,” he said.
Nick Mabey OBE, Founder & Chair of London Climate Action Week, praised the partnership with Baku, noting that London’s model of societal mobilization has inspired similar events globally. He said, “We are proud to be working with Baku to bring this vision to life.”
Malini Mehra, the Programme Director for Baku Climate Action Week, described Baku as an extraordinary city with a crucial role in the green transition.
She stated, “We’re excited to work with key stakeholders to deliver this inaugural event, which will be a major moment ahead of COP29.”
The event will focus on key themes such as energy transition, cities and the built environment, water security, food and agriculture, SMEs, and green skills.
The first half of the week will showcase contributions from public institutions, academia, and the private sector, while the second half will feature arts and culture, offering a comprehensive view of Baku’s approach to tackling climate change.
