Baku Climate Week calls for bigger business role in green transition PHOTO

A roundtable focusing on the business community’s contribution to addressing climate change and advancing the green transition was held within the framework of the ongoing Climate Action Week being held in Baku.

Titled “Impact Dialogue – Private Sector”, participants of the event discussed ways to encourage sustainable investment, accelerate the transformation of businesses toward greener practices and strengthen companies’ environmental responsibility, as Caliber.Az reports citing AZERTAG.

Representative of the Azerbaijani President on Climate Issues and President of COP29, Mukhtar Babayev, emphasized that the private sector must play a more active role in advancing the global climate agenda. He stressed that climate action cannot be left solely to governments and called for greater involvement from businesses in efforts to address climate change.

COP29 High-Level Climate Champion and Azerbaijani MP Nigar Arpadarai also highlighted the importance of private-sector engagement. She noted that companies should incorporate climate commitments into their business strategies and take concrete measures to reduce emissions.

Also participating in the roundtable was Dmitry Shlapachenko, the newly appointed UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan, who addressed the challenges posed by climate change worldwide. He stressed the need to strengthen international cooperation and develop closer partnerships among governments, businesses and civil society to tackle these challenges.

The roundtable also featured discussions on green financing mechanisms, expanding the use of renewable energy, improving energy efficiency and increasing the contribution of private companies to climate targets.

The event concluded with further discussions and an exchange of views among participants on the role of the private sector in advancing climate action.

Building on the success of Baku Climate Action Week (BCAW) 2024 and 2025 and the legacy of COP29, Baku Climate Action Week (BCAW) 2026 takes place from 7–11 September 2026 under the umbrella of the UNFCCC Regional Climate Week in Baku. The event brings together policymakers, business leaders, investors, researchers, academia, civil society, youth, cities, indigenous and local communities, and international organizations to accelerate climate action and support the implementation of the Paris Agreement and national climate commitments.

By Nazrin Sadigova