The Azerbaijani media’s coverage of COP29 will provide a unique platform to share with the global community the constructive discussions, significant decisions, and collaborative efforts aimed at shaping a sustainable future for our planet. With direct access to the professional content and infrastructure provided by the conference, reporters attending high-level talks in person or online, who are informed about scientific and technological innovations in climate change, and who utilize the event’s digital global audience platform, should actively engage in the information dissemination efforts. An accreditation portal has been established to facilitate their activities.
Through this portal, media representatives worldwide can apply for accreditation to the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) secretariat. This is particularly significant for Azerbaijan.
Reporters will be able to participate in press conferences, briefings, and other media events organized during the conference. They will also have access to the press centers and media zones at the event venue. Consequently, Azerbaijan’s role in global projects related to the Paris Climate Agreement and COP29 will be highlighted in the materials prepared.
Vugar Zifaroghlu, a member of the Supervisory Board of the Media Development Agency, doctor of philological sciences, told Report that COP29 will give Azerbaijan a great chance to jump into the global media.
"There are two most effective ways to disseminate information during COP29. Azerbaijan has websites that offer content in various foreign languages, including Arabic and Persian. In the lead-up to COP29, publishing educational information about the conference, comprehensive articles on the preparations, and expert opinions on these sites will facilitate the dissemination of information to the global media. It is more effective to present the views of both national and international experts, as well as those specialized in COP. This will create an additional information base for foreign media, helping to form an objective view worldwide of how Azerbaijan is preparing for this prestigious and significant event and its importance."
According to Zifaroghlu, to effectively promote the projects that Azerbaijan will present on a global scale at COP29, it is essential to collaborate with international media: “In addition to providing foreign language news on our websites, it would be advantageous to regularly publish articles by our experts in international media. These articles should emphasize the efforts Azerbaijan has made regarding COP29, its importance, and the ecological initiatives undertaken. To accomplish this, close collaboration with international media is essential.”
The expert also underlined the importance of conveying the damage to the fauna and flora of Azerbaijan’s Karabakh to the global media:
"Azerbaijan has faced environmental terrorism for many years, primarily caused by Armenians. Our flora and fauna in Karabakh have been devastated. Trees have been cut down, rivers and springs have dried up, and minerals have been exploited without adherence to regulations.
This environmental terrorism has also negatively impacted our country’s water management and planning systems. For instance, Armenia has continuously polluted transboundary water resources with chemical and biological substances.
Each year, 350 million cubic meters of water passing through Armenia are contaminated with chemicals. The microflora and microfauna of the 43 km section of the Araz River, which flows through Azerbaijani territory, have been completely destroyed. Consequently, the levels of heavy metals in the water are abnormally high. We have experienced this terror firsthand. It is crucial to present expert opinions to the international media.
Additionally, it would be beneficial to share the perspectives of foreign experts on this issue with the international media. Everyone recognizes that COP29 is a significant and international event.
Given its importance, implementing both environmental projects and certain transnational projects supporting ecology at such a prestigious event will create promising opportunities for our country in the future."
Zifaroglu emphasized that in the materials prepared on the Paris Climate Agreement during COP29, Azerbaijan will play a significant role in the projects implemented at the global level, and it is essential to convey this effectively to the international community:
"The Paris Agreement is an international accord in which 197 countries commit to collective action to prevent the climate crisis. This document is based on the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. The agreement aims to strengthen global socio-economic resilience against the threat of climate change post-2020. Achieving this goal requires a gradual reduction in the use of fossil fuels, such as oil and coal, and a transition towards renewable energy. Comprehensive materials about the agreement have been prepared and will continue to be developed during COP29 this year. These materials include information about climate change plans and projects.
The primary objective is to communicate the steps, plans, and decisions taken by our country in the lead-up to COP29 to the global audience. COP29 serves as an introduction of Azerbaijan to the global media.
This means showcasing the culture, people, and history of our country. We need to effectively convey this information internationally to foster a more intimate and sincere understanding of Azerbaijan."