Nigar Arpadarai, the UN High-Level Champion for Climate at COP29, recently appeared on Real TV to discuss Azerbaijan's growing role in global climate discussions.
According to Report, she emphasized that hosting COP29 will transform Azerbaijan into a participant in more extensive deliberations on the pressing issue of climate change.
"Azerbaijan has been making significant strides in addressing climate issues, and we have hosted major events over the years. However, COP29 represents an entirely different level of engagement," Arpadarai stressed, adding that this opportunity is a testament to the respect and recognition of Azerbaijan's authority on the international stage.
Arpadarai revealed that Azerbaijan's COP29 presidency has put forward 14 initiatives, carefully designed to encompass various areas affected by climate change.
"Global climate change is a problem that impacts everyone's life," she noted, acknowledging that while Azerbaijan may feel its effects to a lesser extent, there are small island states that are grappling with the consequences on a much larger scale.
She noted that representatives from these vulnerable nations have repeatedly voiced their concerns at climate change events, with some openly stating that they may cease to exist within the next five years due to the looming threat of rising sea levels and potential submersion.
"Our goal is to bring together entrepreneurs who are presenting projects and startups as part of the fight against climate change," Arpadarai concluded.