The “Climate and Water Summit Towards COP29” takes place at ADA University
The Institute of Development and Diplomacy, in collaboration with the UN Azerbaijan delegation, the Sustainable Future Commission, Bogaziçi University, and TUBITAK, hosted a Climate and Water Summit. The event brought together representatives from government, academic institutions, international organizations, and the private sector to discuss global climate and water issues and explore potential solutions.
Experts from the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, FAO, and the UN Resident Coordinator's office in Azerbaijan provided insights into the current state of water resources and offered forecasts for the near future. The summit brought together keynote speakers such as Fariz Ismaiilzade, ADA University's Vice-Rector, Dogan Başaran, Chairman of the "Sustainable Future Commission," Aynur Seyidyusif, an expert from the FAO's "Food Control System Assessment Tool", Mirmovsum Dadashov, Director of the Azerbaijan State Water Resources Agency, Orkhan Mikayil, Executive Director of "Aqualink", and the Azerbaijani Chairman of the "Sustainable Future Commission".
Members of the Azerbaijani Parliament, Jeyhun Mammadov and Jale Elekberova, also talked about the importance of bringing together parties to tackle climate and water issues. Welcoming the attendees, Dr. Fariz Ismailzade highlighted the need for heightened academic and scientific discussions at the upcoming COP29. “Unlike previous ones, this year's COP will prominently bring together scientists. Their insights will facilitate the provision of recommendations to policymakers,” Dr. Ismailzade stated.
Dogan Başaran, Chairman of the "Sustainable Future Commission," underscored the historic significance of hosting COP for the first time in a Turkic state. Kanako Mabuchi, the head of the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan, stated that we must reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 43 percent by 2030 compared to 2019. “The next few years will largely determine whether we can limit the rise in global temperatures to 1.5 degrees and stay within this limit,” she emphasized.
Aynur Seyidyusif, an expert from FAO, highlighted the adverse effects of water scarcity on domestic consumption, agriculture, and industry. "Water scarcity has sparked debate in the face of climate change." The expert emphasized the need for immediate action to prevent water supply reductions.
