On October 31, a conference on COP29 and Culture: Cultural Dimensions of Climate Change took place at ADA University.
The aim of the conference is to explore the relationship between culture and climate change and to highlight the impact of cultural practices and traditions on the environment.
Speaking at a conference moderated by Nargiz Ismayilova, Head of Development Programs at the Institute of Development and Diplomacy at ADA University, Deputy Minister of Culture Farid Jafarov said that Azerbaijan is committed to the environmental agenda at the national and international levels. 2024 has been declared the "Green World Solidarity Year" in our country by the order of President Ilham Aliyev. This decision demonstrates our determination to ensure that COP29 will be an impactful event that promotes sustainable development and a green future for all. At the same time, the President of Azerbaijan prioritizes the promotion of intercultural dialogue globally through the "Baku Process," proposed by him in 2008. The link between climate and culture was a key theme at this year's 6th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue in Baku, which raised awareness of the impact of climate change on cultural heritage.
This initiative is currently expanding its reach globally, attracting the interest of more countries to support it. We believe that culture has the capacity to influence a positive climate agenda. In line with this, Azerbaijan is pleased to present the Culture for Climate (C4C) initiative at COP4. The aim of C4C is to position culture as a key driver of positive climate action by highlighting the ways in which traditions, arts, and heritage can promote sustainable practices and values.
On October 8, a presentation was held at UNESCO headquarters to highlight the cultural events planned in Azerbaijan for COP29 as part of the C4C initiative. This event highlighted the role of C4C as a central force in promoting climate-positive cultural activities on a global scale.
In his speech, Farid Jafarov encouraged young people to actively participate in climate initiatives: "Your ideas, creativity, and enthusiasm are very important. Whether you seek environmental solutions through art, science, or community projects, your voice is of great value on the path to a sustainable future. At COP29, Azerbaijan's cultural institutions, such as museums and theaters, will adopt a climate-focused agenda, and together we will ensure that our entire cultural landscape reflects our commitment to a greener future. Let us continue to work towards a future where culture inspires a positive climate agenda, and be part of this transformative journey.
Afterwards, a video about the topic was shown.
According to Rauf Hajiyev, Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, the incidence of natural disasters on Earth has increased sharply in recent years due to climate change. This increase negatively affects human health, the environment, agriculture, industry, and various other sectors, as well as cultural and natural heritage. "As a reliable and responsible member of the international community, our country prioritizes addressing global climate change issues and is committed to practical actions in this regard. Azerbaijan has taken several measures to reduce the impact of climate change, such as increasing the use of renewable energy sources and developing more efficient green technologies.
Last year, about 4 million trees were planted in the country, and this year the goal is to plant 5 million trees.
According to the document Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development, significant progress is being made in restoring infrastructure and developing smart infrastructure in liberated territories. Projects for a green energy zone, smart city, and smart village initiatives are being developed and implemented in these areas."
Rauf Hajiyev noted that this year our country has attracted the attention of the international community, especially for its initiatives in the field of environmental protection and climate change prevention. Hosting the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), the leading platform for global climate dialogue, is a testimony of high confidence and the result of productive partnerships with international organizations.
Climate finance is highlighted as a key focus of COP29. Within the framework of COP29, active negotiations are taking place with various nations, organizations, academic institutions, and NGOs to reach an agreement on climate finance, which is a key issue on the global climate agenda, and to strengthen global solidarity on climate change. Steps are being taken towards possible solutions for a successful outcome of COP29.
Other speakers also shared their views on integrating cultural perspectives into climate action.
At the end, questions from the conference participants were answered.
On October 31, a conference on COP29 and Culture: Cultural Dimensions of Climate Change took place at ADA University.
The aim of the conference is to explore the relationship between culture and climate change and to highlight the impact of cultural practices and traditions on the environment.
Speaking at a conference moderated by Nargiz Ismayilova, Head of Development Programs at the Institute of Development and Diplomacy at ADA University, Deputy Minister of Culture Farid Jafarov said that Azerbaijan is committed to the environmental agenda at the national and international levels. 2024 has been declared the "Green World Solidarity Year" in our country by the order of President Ilham Aliyev. This decision demonstrates our determination to ensure that COP29 will be an impactful event that promotes sustainable development and a green future for all. At the same time, the President of Azerbaijan prioritizes the promotion of intercultural dialogue globally through the "Baku Process," proposed by him in 2008. The link between climate and culture was a key theme at this year's 6th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue in Baku, which raised awareness of the impact of climate change on cultural heritage.
This initiative is currently expanding its reach globally, attracting the interest of more countries to support it. We believe that culture has the capacity to influence a positive climate agenda. In line with this, Azerbaijan is pleased to present the Culture for Climate (C4C) initiative at COP4. The aim of C4C is to position culture as a key driver of positive climate action by highlighting the ways in which traditions, arts, and heritage can promote sustainable practices and values.
On October 8, a presentation was held at UNESCO headquarters to highlight the cultural events planned in Azerbaijan for COP29 as part of the C4C initiative. This event highlighted the role of C4C as a central force in promoting climate-positive cultural activities on a global scale.
In his speech, Farid Jafarov encouraged young people to actively participate in climate initiatives: "Your ideas, creativity, and enthusiasm are very important. Whether you seek environmental solutions through art, science, or community projects, your voice is of great value on the path to a sustainable future. At COP29, Azerbaijan's cultural institutions, such as museums and theaters, will adopt a climate-focused agenda, and together we will ensure that our entire cultural landscape reflects our commitment to a greener future. Let us continue to work towards a future where culture inspires a positive climate agenda, and be part of this transformative journey.
Afterwards, a video about the topic was shown.
According to Rauf Hajiyev, Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, the incidence of natural disasters on Earth has increased sharply in recent years due to climate change. This increase negatively affects human health, the environment, agriculture, industry, and various other sectors, as well as cultural and natural heritage. "As a reliable and responsible member of the international community, our country prioritizes addressing global climate change issues and is committed to practical actions in this regard. Azerbaijan has taken several measures to reduce the impact of climate change, such as increasing the use of renewable energy sources and developing more efficient green technologies.
Last year, about 4 million trees were planted in the country, and this year the goal is to plant 5 million trees.
According to the document Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development, significant progress is being made in restoring infrastructure and developing smart infrastructure in liberated territories. Projects for a green energy zone, smart city, and smart village initiatives are being developed and implemented in these areas."
Rauf Hajiyev noted that this year our country has attracted the attention of the international community, especially for its initiatives in the field of environmental protection and climate change prevention. Hosting the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), the leading platform for global climate dialogue, is a testimony of high confidence and the result of productive partnerships with international organizations.
Climate finance is highlighted as a key focus of COP29. Within the framework of COP29, active negotiations are taking place with various nations, organizations, academic institutions, and NGOs to reach an agreement on climate finance, which is a key issue on the global climate agenda, and to strengthen global solidarity on climate change. Steps are being taken towards possible solutions for a successful outcome of COP29.
Other speakers also shared their views on integrating cultural perspectives into climate action.
At the end, questions from the conference participants were answered.
