Azerbaijan announces grant competition on COP29 international initiatives for NGOs

The Azerbaijani Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, in collaboration with the Agency for State Support to Non-Governmental Organisations, has launched a competition titled “International Initiatives related to COP29” for the non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

Applications for participation in the competition will be accepted starting July 16, with a deadline set for August 16, Caliber.Az reports citing the local media.

Projects addressing global climate change must be submitted for grants ranging from 30,000 manats or $17,647 (for small grants) to 50,000 manats or $29,411 (for large grants). Participation in the grant competition requires NGOs to form coalitions comprising at least "1 local NGO + 1 foreign NGO", with the domestic NGO being the lead organisation. Each NGO can participate only in one coalition.

The primary NGO in the coalition must submit the project proposal exclusively through the agency’s official website (https://ngoagency.gov.az/az ) between July 16 and August 16, 2024. Submissions made in person, by mail, or via email will not be accepted.

Baku will host the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29).

A group of Eastern European countries has chosen Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, to host COP29 climate talks next year.

Earlier, Bulgaria withdrew its candidacy to host the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in favour of Azerbaijan.

Moreover, Baku and Yerevan agreed to support each other at some international venues. In a joint statement, Armenia said it would support Azerbaijan's bid to host the COP29 summit.

The conference is being held in rotation by five UN regional groups, and Eastern Europe will take part next year.