On September 30, 2024, the inaugural Baku Climate Action Week (BCAW) began, running until October 4. The event has gathered more than 700 participants from around the world, including sustainability experts, policymakers, private sector leaders, and representatives from civil society. In the lead-up to COP29, set to take place in Baku this November, BCAW marks a significant moment on the international climate agenda.
Following the United Nations General Assembly and New York Climate Week, BCAW will reinforce the roadmap to achieving the 1.5°C goal, as outlined by the COP presidencies, and support the COP29 agenda.
The opening ceremony will feature key speakers such as Mukhtar Babayev, the COP29 President-Designate, and Nigar Arpadarai, the UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP29. Baku Climate Action Week is organized in partnership with London Climate Action Week, further emphasizing international cooperation and unity in advancing climate solutions.
Innovation and Accelerating Change
The event’s central theme, “Engage, Innovate, Accelerate,” highlights a proactive approach to addressing climate challenges. The program includes international conferences, roundtables, panel discussions, and the signing of commitments. BCAW aims to merge global insights with local initiatives, inspiring and mobilizing participants at the national level. The week will serve as the launchpad for broad mobilization within Azerbaijani society towards a green transition. Special attention will be given to engaging all sectors of society, from political and business leaders to local communities and youth. The event will provide a platform to address Azerbaijan’s climate challenges and explore the opportunities of the country’s green transformation.
BCAW underscores Azerbaijan’s readiness to take on a leading role in regional and national green transformations, serving as a crucial step towards COP29. The focus will also be on fostering Azerbaijan’s transition through new collaborations, investments, and partnerships that share a commitment to sustainable development.
Key Themes and Program
BCAW will focus on various thematic areas, including the energy transition, water security, food and agriculture, sustainable development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and green skills for the future. The first half of the week (September 30 – October 2) will spotlight climate solutions involving public and private sectors, academia, and businesses. The second half of the event (October 3-4) will focus on contributions from science, culture, and arts, highlighting Baku’s rich cultural heritage and the country’s transition.
Events will be held at multiple venues across Baku, including the Heydar Aliyev Center, the Stone Chronicle Museum, and ADA University.
