Azerbaijan partners with UNWTO, joins Glasgow Declaration to accelerate sustainable tourism COP29 milestones

On November 20, Azerbaijan and the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) took a significant step toward sustainable tourism by signing a cooperation agreement during COP29.

The agreement, signed by Fuad Nagiyev, Head of Azerbaijan's State Tourism Agency, and UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili, emphasizes both parties’ commitment to promoting sustainable tourism initiatives globally, Caliber.Az's correspondent reports.

The document focuses on enhancing climate action in tourism and aims to strengthen the integration of tourism into national climate policies.

According to the State Tourism Agency, the agreement sets the foundation for a global coordination mechanism and partnership platform that aligns with the climate goals of the tourism sector. "The letter of intent aims to create a favourable framework for the establishment of the said coordination and partnership platform, to ensure the continuation of the process started through the initiative and beyond, as well as to support the transformation of the tourism sector into an area that will contribute significantly to the pursuit of a low-carbon and sustainable future," the agency said.

This agreement reflects Azerbaijan’s continued leadership in tourism, having been a member of the UNWTO since 2001. The country’s involvement has expanded over the years, including participating in initiatives such as the “One Billion Tourists: One Billion Opportunities” campaign and the “Global Leaders for Tourism” initiative. Azerbaijan has also been active in the governance of the UNWTO, holding various leadership roles, including being elected to the Executive Council multiple times and hosting the 110th session of the UNWTO Executive Board in Baku in June 2019.

In May 2023, Azerbaijan was once again elected to the UNWTO Executive Council for 2023-2025, a testament to its growing influence and commitment to shaping global tourism policies. 

Moreover, Azerbaijan has formally joined the "Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism" during "Tourism Day" at COP29 on November 20, marking a significant step towards enhancing its role in sustainable tourism.

Azerbaijan's accession to the declaration is expected to bolster its efforts to meet both national and global climate objectives. The move will intensify actions aimed at promoting sustainable tourism, increasing access to essential resources and opportunities, and addressing climate risks through actionable solutions.

Joining the declaration also enhances Azerbaijan's international standing in the tourism sector. The State Tourism Agency emphasized that under this commitment, Azerbaijan will prepare a climate change action plan within the next 12 months, focusing on five key areas: waste management, decarbonization, regeneration, cooperation, and financing in tourism. Furthermore, the country has pledged to publish an annual report on the progress of the action plan's implementation.

The "Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism" was originally adopted in November 2021 at COP26 in Glasgow. The initiative seeks to combat climate change within the tourism industry, aiming to create a more environmentally sustainable framework for its growth. With nearly 870 organizations from the public, private, and non-governmental sectors signing the declaration, the goal is to reduce tourism-related greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030, with the ambition to reach carbon neutrality by 2050.

By Tamilla Hasanova