COP29, Currently hosted by Baku, saw a range of events, including dialogue sessions and interactive workshops addressing critical environmental challenges.
The third day of the conference kicked off with a yoga session in the "Green Zone", led by Jess Place, a registered yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance. The session installs relaxation at participants along with tranquility and self-connection.
"Not Just Carbon: The Significance of Climate Action on Clouds"
The Green Zone will be the venue of a session which will highlight the impact of clouds produced by aircrafts on global warming, which is equivalent to massive carbon emissions. The session will also explore ways to reduce these emissions through innovative policies.
Sustainable Design
A workshop on the use of recycled marine plastic will be held, showcasing innovations in sustainable design by the British company "Clora Labs." It will discuss cleanup initiatives and ways for the private sector along with civil society to reduce marine pollution.
Climate Justice and Equality
The "Climate Justice and Equality" session will address the challenges faced by vulnerable groups, such as low-income communities, women, and youth, in the face of climate change. The session will emphasize the need for equitable and inclusive policies to achieve climate justice.
Youth and Ocean Protection
A session titled "Steering Clear of Tipping Points: The Power of Youth in Ocean Conservation" will discuss the role of youth in driving ocean conservation efforts and showcase inspiring stories of young leaders working to protect marine environments. This comes amid growing warnings from scientists about reaching irreversible tipping points in ocean ecosystems.
Inspiring Events at the UAE Pavilion
In the Blue Zone, the UAE will present a rich and diverse program at COP29, starting Wednesday with events at both its pavilion and the Goals House.
These pivotal discussions will bring together climate experts, government officials, private sector leaders, academics, and youth to exchange ideas and collaborate on finding solutions to the most urgent climate challenges.
Programming will begin on Wednesday, November 13th, with UAE/Climate convenings at Goals House Baku, bringing together a diverse community of internationally prominent thinkers, political figures, business leaders, and internationally renowned entrepreneurs.
Securing Tomorrow: Accelerating Action for Water Resiliency for All
A session which is organized by UAE/Climate convenings, will address adaptable strategies to ensure access to clean water, sustainable water management, and increase sanitation and hygiene for water-stressed communities worldwide. The session will feature Shaima Gargash, Director of Energy and Sustainability Affairs, at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this event will be moderated by Kate Warren, Executive Editor, Devex, and feature special guests Gary White, CEO & Co-Founder, Water.Org, and George Richards, Director, Community Jameel, to discuss the implementation of SDG 6 and building global water resiliency for all.
Altira Fund
The Altira Fund will organize a session titled “Championing Climate Finance to Build Global Resilience”, which will discuss ways to make greater climate finance available, accessible, and affordable as vital to accelerate the global transition towards a net-zero and climate resilient future for all. The session will be attended by Majid Al Suwaidi, Chief Executive Officer, ALTERRA, where discussion will also explore the opportunities to mobilize partnerships and funding pathways to encourage equitable sustainable development and low-carbon economic growth.
Special guests will include Maria Kozloski, Senior Vice President, Innovative Finance & U.S. Economic Opportunity, Rockefeller Foundation and James Birch, Climate Policy and Advocacy Lead, Gates Foundation.
The UAE Pavilion at COP29 will also host several programs, including: Waste to Zero Program, hosted by Tadweer Group (the Centre of Waste Management, Abu Dhabi, tadweer.ae) on local and regional opportunities around waste management.
Dialogue on the Transition Away From Fossil Fuels
Continuing the conversation from COP28, this event will focus on the shared global vision for a just and inclusive transition from fossil fuels. Representatives from the UAE, Azerbaijan, and Brazil will discuss challenges and opportunities in achieving an equitable energy transition.
Agriculture Innovation Mechanism
In a session titled: “AIM for Scale: Global Partnership to Scale-Up Weather Services for Farmers” The Agriculture Innovation Mechanism for Scale (AIM for Scale), a joint partnership between the UAE and the Gates Foundation, will highlight opportunities to scale access to high-quality, farmer-centered water forecasts to build resilience for small producers across low- and middle-income countries.
Ports as Gateways to Decarbonization and Resilience
On the third day of COP29 in Baku, the Blue Zone will host a session on ports as gateways for decarbonization and resilience. In addition, a high-level dialogue for the COP Troika, titled "Our Roadmap for Mission 1.5 Towards a Future of Shared Prosperity" will also be organized.
