Shusha hosts final panel as part of Global Media Forum

The final panel of the 2nd Global Media Forum in Shusha focused on the topic "Climate Movement and Media." According to Report, the event was moderated by Ansis Bogustovs, a host and producer at RīgaTV 24 and Radio Latvia.

Nigar Arpadarai, the UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP29, emphasized Azerbaijan's readiness to host the conference and its openness to media and all participants willing to contribute to climate finance discussions.

"We are waiting for countries to come to Baku and reach a consensus on climate finance issues," she stated, answering the question of why COP29 is being held in a hydrocarbon-producing country.

"The media often question why COP29 is being held in a country that produces hydrocarbons. We are ready to answer all these questions. We expect media, activists, and everyone who can contribute to climate financing issues at COP29. COP is a long process. Azerbaijan's presidency of COP29 will not end in November. This is a global event, and there should be participants from different sides," she said.

Francis Martin Kane, Editor-in-Chief of Arabian Gulf Business Insight, urged Azerbaijan not to shy away from working with Western media despite biased publications related to COP29.

"Azerbaijan has no reason to apologize for producing hydrocarbons. It is something to be proud of," he remarked, while acknowledging the need for journalists to have a high level of knowledge on climate finance topics.

Holger Friedrich, Managing Director of Berliner Zeitung, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of balance and understanding both sides' positions. "Cooperation is a fundamental part of the global community," he stressed.

John Roberts, an energy security specialist from Scotland, noted the general skepticism surrounding climate change issues and the likelihood of countries reaching an agreement on climate finance. He also highlighted Azerbaijan's unique position as a crucial alternative source of pipeline gas to Europe following the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, while Europe simultaneously seeks to move away from fossil fuels. Roberts pointed out that this transition would require Europe to significantly increase investments in renewable energy development and energy transmission infrastructure.