On June 12, 2024, a meeting was held at the UAE Embassy in Turkmenistan on the topic “The path from Dubai to Baku - Pre-COP29”.

Addressing the participants of the event, the Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Turkmenistan Gismat Gezalov said that Azerbaijan will host COP29 in Baku in November of this year. The holding of this large-scale conference is an important milestone for Azerbaijan. It is necessary to note Azerbaijan's contribution to the fight against climate change.

Azerbaijan has made green environmental growth one of its key development priorities. 2024 has been declared the “Year of Solidarity for a Green World” with the aim of boosting climate action both nationally and internationally.

The Ambassador noted that Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan are moving forward in resolving important issues related to alternative energy and climate change. Although both countries have rich oil and natural gas reserves, they are contributing to projects aimed at combating climate change while adhering to their commitments to reduce methane emissions. The diplomat expressed his conviction that brotherly Turkmenistan will also make its valuable contribution to COP 29.

The ambassador emphasized that at COP-29 Azerbaijan intends to focus on the common interests of the two countries while confronting the climate crisis. It is time for everyone to contribute on the basis of equality and taking into account different national circumstances. As is known, the UAE's chairmanship of COP-28 marked the beginning of the COP-Troika partnership with Azerbaijan and Brazil, which will host COP-29 and COP-30 respectively. This partnership aims to improve collaboration and continuity between the current and future COP Presidencies, leading to greater action in support of Mission 1.5°C.

“We are also working to ensure an inclusive process and achieve inclusive results at COP29,” the ambassador emphasized in his speech.

The Ambassador noted the contribution of youth to environmental protection. They actively influence public opinion and call for climate responsibility. Youth are actively involved in the fight against climate change through innovation, sustainable practices and community engagement.

Young people in Turkmenistan are increasingly aware of the importance of climate change and their role in solving it. An example of this is the 2023 Local Youth Conference on Climate Change (LCOY) and the UN Global Climate Change Conference COP-28, which strengthened the voice of young climate activists. Young participants from Turkmenistan, who took part in COP-28 in the UAE, are ready to share their experience at COP-29 in Baku.

On May 29, the volunteer program of Azerbaijan's chairmanship at COP-29 was launched. Around 3,000 local and international volunteers are expected to participate in the main operational tasks of COP29 in Azerbaijan. Volunteers will play a key role in the success of COP29, with the eyes of the world turning to Baku. Through their dedication and exemplary behavior, they will act as ambassadors for sustainable development.

Gismat Gezalov also noted that Azerbaijan is a regional leader in the transition to environmentally friendly energy. In recent years, the country has been paying attention to environmental projects. By the end of this year, 5 more alternative energy projects will be completed. Just last week, the Masdar company from the UAE entered into a contract with Azerbaijan for the construction of 3 solar and wind power plants with a total capacity of 1 gigawatt.

“Our goal is to reach 2 gigawatts of installed capacity from renewable energy sources by the end of 2027, which is a realistic target. By 2050, the economic zones of Karabakh, Eastern Zangezur and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic will become zero-emission zones. By 2030, the share of renewable energy sources in electricity production in Azerbaijan will reach 30%,” the ambassador said. He also noted that the project for the construction of the Black Sea underwater electric cable, launched at the initiative of Azerbaijan, will connect Central Asia with Europe.

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