COP29 Baku: Global gathering for a green world

More than 32,000 delegates, including world leaders, government officials, and representatives of leading organizations, are gathering at this year's United Nations climate change conference, the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, to focus on cooperative climate solutions under the message "In Solidarity for a Green World," reflecting a shared sense of urgency about the impacts of climate change and a unified resolve to achieve global goals.

The capital city of Baku is decked out in green to celebrate the event, from street signs and delegate buses to the conference entrance, sending a strong message of solidarity for a sustainable future.

The Baku Olympic Stadium, the venue of the event, is divided into two main areas: the Blue Zone, reserved for leaders and negotiators, and the Green Zone, which welcomes social organizations and youth groups to promote dialogue on climate initiatives.

The Baku Olympic Stadium, the largest in Azerbaijan with a capacity of 68,700, serves as the convention hub for COP29. Built according to sustainable principles, it supports the well-being of residents and visitors and regularly hosts major international events.

Travel from central Baku to the stadium is convenient and can be done by metro, bus, or car. Approximately 350 eco-friendly buses, provided by the local government,  shuttle between accommodations and the convention center.

Two zones in the stadium: the Blue Zone, under the auspices of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), is reserved for world leaders, negotiators, high-level delegates, and the press; and the Green Zone, under the auspices of the President of COP29, Azerbaijan. The Green Zone creates space for social organizations, youth, private sector representatives, and indigenous groups to actively contribute to discussions on climate action. This zone also serves as a source of inspiration, where environmental activists share their stories and projects.

Our first day began with a 30-minute journey from downtown Baku to the stadium, where we registered. Although it was only a 300-meter walk from the registration area to the main venue inside, the long lines caused by the large number of people made it seem like a long process. But everything was done in a flash.  To keep the lines moving in an orderly fashion, the organizers had set up zigzag paths large enough to accommodate thousands of people as they moved through the registration process.

When we arrived, hundreds of people were already lined up, their expressions full of anticipation for the conference's potential to address global warming.

We made our way through security and into the main conference area, a large, eye-catching room with green accents that represented a vision for a better Earth. One of the most notable aspects was the spacious press center, which could accommodate thousands of journalists and featured high-speed Internet and numerous screens for updates and direction.

COP29 is expected to attract not only prominent international leaders but also environmentalists and people from the regions most affected by climate change. To drive world leaders to make tangible efforts to bridge the gap between climate commitments and action, delegates from Africa, Oceania, South America, and Asia are bringing aspects of their diverse cultures to the meeting through traditional dress, performances, and action plans.

With 2024 expected to be the hottest year on record, leading to widespread natural disasters, COP29 has become even more critical, raising expectations for impactful action to ensure sustainable development for our planet.