Yogi Sadhguru joins COP29 in Azerbaijan to advocate for climate solutions

Sadhguru, the renowned Indian yogi and founder of the Isha Charitable Foundation, arrived in Azerbaijan on November 10 to participate in the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29).

Upon his arrival at Heydar Aliyev International Airport, Sadhguru was warmly welcomed by Metin Kerimli, Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Science and Education of Azerbaijan, along with other officials, Caliber.Az reports citing local media.

Sadhguru, born Jagadish Vasudev on September 3, 1957, is an influential spiritual leader and educator. He founded the Isha Foundation in Coimbatore, India, in 1992, which offers educational and spiritual services through its ashrams and yoga centres. Having taught yoga since 1982, he is also a prolific author of bestsellers like Inner Engineering: A Yogi's Guide to Joy and Karma: A Yogi's Guide to Crafting Your Destiny. Sadhguru is a frequent speaker at international forums and is a strong advocate for environmental protection, spearheading initiatives like Project GreenHands, Rally for Rivers, Cauvery Calling, and the Journey to Save Soil.

In recognition of his contributions to spirituality and humanitarian work, Sadhguru was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honour, in 2017.

Azerbaijan was chosen to host COP29 during the COP28 plenary session in December 2023, after gaining significant support from Eastern European countries. The conference is expected to draw around 80,000 participants, including high-level officials from around the world.

Ahead of COP29, Azerbaijan has designated 2024 as the "Green World Solidarity Year" to promote global cooperation in tackling the climate crisis. The strategy for the conference centres on two key objectives: raising ambition and enabling action. This includes promoting transparent national climate plans and securing financial resources to meet ambitious climate goals, such as reducing emissions and mitigating climate change damage.

Azerbaijan has also launched a $1 billion Climate Finance Action Fund (CFAF), funded by contributions from fossil fuel-producing nations and corporations. Half of the fund will be dedicated to climate projects in developing countries, focusing on clean energy, energy efficiency, and improving resilience in vulnerable communities.

In addition, the COP29 Presidency has introduced the “COP Truce Appeal,” aimed at fostering global peace and reconciliation in the context of climate action.

Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev has highlighted the importance of hosting COP29, calling it a crucial opportunity to unite national and international efforts in addressing the severe impacts of climate change. Azerbaijan is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 35% by 2030 and by 40% by 2050, in line with the Paris Agreement.

By Tamilla Hasanova