COP29 Summary of IDD
With over 80 events and more than 50 analytical policy papers and Baku Dialogues articles, the Institute for Development and Diplomacy (IDD) actively contributed to advancing the COP29 agenda. Our work during this period reflected a strong commitment to fostering informed discussions, providing strategic insights, and supporting policy development in the fields of sustainable development, climate action, and innovation.
During COP29, IDD demonstrated active international engagement through a series of events. On January 21, IDD Director Dr. Fariz Ismailzade participated in a panel meeting at the UK Parliament dedicated to COP29, where he highlighted Azerbaijan’s advancements in green energy initiatives and strategic energy export plans. Earlier, in November 2024, Dr. Ismailzade delivered speeches at the COP29 Inter-Parliamentary Meeting and the ICESCO Panel on environmental issues. He also addressed young participants of the COP29 Simulation during their visit to Baku on November 19, following the Simulation’s earlier sessions in Egypt. On the same day, IDD Senior Research Fellow Hajar Huseynova contributed to the “A Climate Issue: Water” panel organized by the Sustainable Future Platform, offering insights into the multidimensional challenges surrounding water resources. Additionally, on November 18, IDD Director for Policy Research, Prof. Damjan Krnjević, delivered a keynote speech on "Youth, Middle Corridor Green Connectivity, and the Alat Free Zone," emphasizing innovative environmental solutions. That day also saw ADA University and IDD co-host the Science Day event at the COP29 Blue Zone, titled “Caspian Sea Basin Tipping-point: Regional Policy framework towards Agile Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies,” in collaboration with CASPISNET, Port of Baku, UCLA, and UNEP, bringing together leading international environmental experts.
In parallel, the IDD published a series of influential analytical articles, such as “Riding the Wave of Climate Change: How Azerbaijan is COPing”, which was co-authored by IDD Senior Research Fellows Ahmad Humbatov and Hajar Huseynova. Other reports, including “COP29 and the Sanctity of Nature: Water, Oceans, Rivers, and Energy in Light of Quranic Ecotheology”, “Navigating Scarcity: Integrating Water Management for Sustainable Food Security”, “Enhancing Global Methane Diplomacy: Evaluating its Opportunities and Implications for Azerbaijan in the COP29 Year”, “Promoting the Role of Women in Azerbaijan’s Renewable Energy Sector”, “Implications for Electricity Security in Azerbaijan Beyond COP29”, and “Enhancing Youth Engagement in Climate Change Issues in Azerbaijan”, provided critical perspectives on the intersection of environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and resource management.
Additionally, the IDD launched the IDDTalks series, featuring prominent experts on topics related to climate change, sustainable development, and Azerbaijan’s role ahead of COP29. Key speakers included Amb. Matthew Bryza, former U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan; Kostis Geropoulos, Director of Energy & Climate Policy and Security at NE Global Media; and Julian Chifu, President of the Center for Conflict Prevention and Early Warning. Other guests included Nasar Hayat, FAO Representative, who addressed Azerbaijan’s leadership in sustainability, and Prince Jaime de Bourbon de Parme, Climate Envoy of the Netherlands, who praised Azerbaijan’s capabilities to host COP29. Erik Weststrate from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands discussed bilateral cooperation on sustainable development, while Andrew Harper, UNHCR Special Advisor, explored the climate impact on displaced populations.
These initiatives demonstrate IDD’s commitment to its mission of promoting sustainable development, creating a knowledge-sharing platform for businesses and society, and contributing to global conversations on climate action and innovation.
