We arrived in Azerbaijan last night (November 10th), and my first impression of Baku is wonderful. The streets are clean, and the architecture is impressive, featuring both modern and historic buildings. It feels safe to be outside even late at night, giving the city an energetic atmosphere.
For me, today was a day of exploration and observation. Over the past few months, we’ve taken many courses covering topics discussed at COP, from climate finance to adaptation and mobility. We also heard reflections from those who attended COP28. Most importantly, we participated in a negotiation exercise on the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG), where each student represented a country and stated its position. All of these experiences helped me form expectations for COP29 and understand what to look for. I’m especially excited to see how various stakeholders—including companies, national and regional leaders, and international organizations—address the climate crisis in real time. With that in mind, I approached this first day with an open and adaptable mindset, eager to take it all in.
On November 11, we arrived early (7 a.m.) to pick up our Blue Zone badges, then tried traditional Azerbaijani goghal, a delicious pastry recommended by our Azerbaijani guide, Azar. By around 9 a.m., most country pavilions were open, so we explored them. Many pavilions featured cultural decor and climate-related themes. For example, at the China pavilion, delegates dressed in traditional Ming Dynasty attire demonstrated calligraphy on folding fans. In the Azerbaijan pavilion, representatives wore traditional Azerbaijani clothing and shared cultural foods. At a pavilion for an Azerbaijani water institution, we saw displays of recycled water bottles collected from beaches. We also picked up souvenirs from various pavilions, such as a Singaporean pin with its national flower, Papilionanthe Miss Joaquim, and an adorable panda toy from the China pavilion.
After exploring the pavilions, we attended some keynote speeches and panels. One that stood out was Incofin Investment Management’s session on launching the Incofin Climate-Smart Microfinance Fund, which aims to invest USD 550 million in climate-smart activities to address the social impacts of climate change and reach 1.5 million people. According to Incofin’s co-CEO, the fund’s goal is to promote inclusive prosperity and support a sustainable transition with a focus on gender equality. The investment prioritizes low-income economies, women, and children, channeling resources towards vulnerable groups. In the panel discussion, I learned that Incofin’s private finance work has been impactful in addressing prioritized needs, though scaling investment remains a challenge. Incofin has been using data to demonstrate positive outcomes and returns to attract more stakeholders. It’s inspiring to see microfinance increasingly involved in climate action with a deeper understanding of its role.
In conclusion, the first day at COP29 was both inspiring and enlightening. Engaging with diverse stakeholders, experiencing cultural displays, and witnessing innovative financial solutions reinforced the importance of global collaboration in addressing climate challenges. I’m eager to continue learning, connecting, and exploring impactful solutions in the days to come.
