Azerbaijani diaspora worldwide expresses support for COP29

Azerbaijanis around the world have issued a statement regarding the upcoming COP29 to be held in Azerbaijan.

"We, Azerbaijanis living abroad, fully support the significant steps being taken by Azerbaijan and its productive efforts in environmental policy, addressing the issues arising from the global environmental crisis. We consider the holding of the 29th session of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) from November 11-22, 2024, in Azerbaijan to be of utmost importance. We are confident that this event will make a vital contribution to global environmental protection," the Azerbaijani State Committee for Work with the Diaspora’s statement says, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

According to the statement, it is encouraging to see that significant restorative and constructive efforts are underway in Karabakh and other liberated territories, which had been subjected to 30 years of environmental terror by Armenia. Infrastructure is being developed for a safe environment. Karabakh, East Zangezur, and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic have been declared a "green energy" zone. Not only hydroelectric plants, but also alternative and renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power stations will be used in Karabakh.

The renewal of the vehicle fleet in Baku and other major cities, the promotion of eco-friendly electric vehicles, the exemption of such vehicles from VAT, and the creation of parks, green spaces, and "Green Energy" zones are all concrete examples of environmental protection in Azerbaijan. It is also commendable that public organisations, such as the İDEA Public Association (International Dialogue for Environmental Action), which specialise in environmental conservation and addressing ecological issues, are playing a significant role in implementing large-scale projects and initiatives.

The upcoming holding of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) by Azerbaijan is a clear indicator of Azerbaijan’s growing global influence and is a logical continuation of Azerbaijan's strategy for transitioning to a green economy. The declaration of 2024, upon the presidential order, as the "Green World Solidarity Year" in Azerbaijan further emphasises that the challenges posed by the global environmental crisis and the solutions to these issues are among the most pressing current issues.

“We, Azerbaijanis living abroad, have recently witnessed coordinated and systemic activities aimed against Azerbaijan on the eve of COP29, orchestrated from a single centre. These actions include attempts to reignite the Karabakh conflict, which Azerbaijan has already resolved through its own political, economic, and military efforts. Once again, we announce that by bringing an end to the three-decade-long occupation and injustice through its own efforts, Azerbaijan not only has safeguarded its national interests but also upheld international law and ensured the implementation of the UN Security Council’s resolutions,” the statement says.

“We, Azerbaijanis living abroad, united around victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, who gifted our people a great victory by fully restoring our territorial integrity and sovereignty, commend his remarkable achievements in the development of Azerbaijan and his readiness to address crucial national issues. We are confident that under his leadership, Azerbaijan will continue developing and achieving further success,” the statement reads.

According to the statement, "BİZ – Continuing the Path of Victory!" platform, created at the initiative of Azerbaijanis living abroad, became a vivid example of the diaspora's strong connection to the homeland during the snap presidential election held in Azerbaijan on February 7, 2024. This platform stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment of Azerbaijani communities abroad to defend the national interests of Azerbaijan, showcasing the political maturity of the Azerbaijani diaspora and its dedication to the ideology of Azerbaijani people. Thanks to the policy being pursued in the name of establishing peace and security, Azerbaijan, now a full-fledged member of the United Nations, has earned a well-deserved place among the countries. 

“We are confident that Azerbaijan will successfully organise COP29 along with other global initiatives and will justify the unanimous trust placed in it and will continue leading the way in key innovations aimed at protecting the environment and addressing global ecological challenges,” the statement reads.

The statement was signed by the leaders and representatives of 271 diaspora organisations.

By Naila Huseynova