Is COP29 at Baku ready to bring benefits for our planet?
At the end of November 2024, the fast-growing economy of Azerbaijan will host thousands of professionals from around the world for the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29).
This Central Asian nation bases part of its power on oil and is investing in clean energy to show the world its potential. Baku, which is the capital, has an amazing and unique architecture, the infrastructure of this city to organize international events competes with the best in the world and as proof of this the Formula 1 Grand Prix makes a stop here.
This pearl of the Caspian Sea is well connected by air to Asia, Europe and the Middle East thanks to its award-winning international airport. Azerbaijan and Turkish Airlines offer convenient flights to the country's main cities, such as Nakhichevan and Ganja (the second largest city).
Once in the country, transportation is affordable; there is a daily train from Ganja to Baku that takes 3.5 hours. Cabs are plentiful and if you are lucky you can get around in a hybrid vehicle. There is accommodation to suit all budgets and culinary delicacies are being marinated for serving at the end of November, noting that some farmers do not use pesticides, resulting in delicious fresh fruits.
The Azerbaijanis are preparing the city to welcome the participants to the climate change conference even though they don't know the meaning of the event... and at the same time the main beach of Baku contains oil, so it is better not to swim there.
So we can say that the city is ready, but what about the sustainable event organization? the negotiation protocols? Is there any innovation in the process to negotiate for the planet? or are we waiting for another extravagant and cultural trip to "save our planet"?
My intention is to make a contribution. So here are some tips based on my experience during a week in this interesting country:
It is a bit cheaper to fly to Ganja and then take a train to Baku.
I don't recommend flying to Nakhchivan even though the prices are affordable, the tricky thing is that you can only get out of there by plane or car via Iran (you may need a visa).
As in any place, cash is the king, some stores in the capital accept payments with international cards.
Premium Bak is my favorite ATM to withdraw money because they do not charge commission and the exchange rate is not bad.
Change dollars or euros in the city (not at the airport) (1 dollar equals 1,695 Azerbaijani Manat).
Get a local sim card to stay connected, as free wifi options in the country are limited.
Public transport can take you anywhere and in Baku you will need to get a local card for transport (it costs around 4.5 Manats).
Personally I recommend using taxi apps so you don't have to negotiate with the drivers as they would like to charge much more than normal, so I used Bold but there is also Uber and Yango (pay with cash and always have change with you).
You can communicate to a limited extent in English, but the second most common languages after Azerbaijani are Turkish and Russian.
Book your accommodation near the COP29 venue (stadium), which is a bit far from the city center.
The tap water is not drinkable
I think the best strategy to transcend and honor hosting COP29 involves the organizers taking the negotiations to the next level in terms of signing agreements with all nations, especially the most powerful countries (China, U.S.A and Russia) including clauses for a low carbon economy and protection of human rights.
I hope we will make some progress this year.
