Azerbaijan's high-level preparation for COP29 in a short time is a commendable step, Hande Harmanci, World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in Azerbaijan, said in her statement to Report.
According to Harmanci, health should always be the top priority:
"Because there have been very few cases where health has been the top priority to date. We think that health issues will be the main focus from now on. We always emphasize that the climate crisis is actually a health crisis. Because ultimately, all climate changes end up affecting human health."
"For example, previously unseen diseases are emerging in unexpected places. Hundreds of thousands of people die every year due to climate change. This year, the world experienced unprecedented heat. Climate change is happening today, and the next generation will experience it too. I believe that the issues discussed within the framework of COP29 will yield positive results," the WHO official emphasized.
Harmanci noted that Azerbaijan had very little time to prepare for COP29: "Such a high level of preparation in such a short time is commendable. I came to the venue for the first time today and couldn't believe my eyes. Azerbaijan truly deserves congratulations for its initiative in this work. I know that all government members were mobilized for this task. Azerbaijan has once again demonstrated its hospitality and capability as a host."