On June 13, 2024, the German-Azerbaijani Chamber of Commerce (AHK Azerbaijan) initiated a series of events themed "Innovate, Collaborate, Transform - Expectations for COP29" to prepare for the forthcoming COP29 in Azerbaijan. The kickoff event, AHK Impuls on COP29, featured around 100 representatives from member companies and partners of the Chamber. Honorary guest of the event, Ms Nigar Arpadarai, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP29 Azerbaijan, provided exclusive insights into the upcoming COP29. Following this, there was an insightful panel discussion with prominent business representatives.

Member of AHK Azerbaijan Board, Mr Farid Guliyev, greeted the event participants in the opening speech of the meeting and gave an overview of the event's agenda. Then he gave the floor to Dr Ralf Horlemann, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Azerbaijan.

In his speech, Dr Horlemann thanked AHK Azerbaijan for timely organising the event on COP29 event. He addressed climate finance, protection actions, and efforts to stop global warming. He noted Azerbaijan's ambition to become a green energy developer for Europe and emphasised Germany's readiness to share its expertise and cooperate on environmental protection.

During her speech, Ms Arpadarai emphasised the importance of ESG strategy, highlighting comprehensive approaches to environmental, social, and governance practices. She also discussed NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions), focusing on pathways to achieve ambitious climate goals. Ms Arpadarai expressed Azerbaijan's great honour in hosting this significant event and its commitment to continuing its green transition after COP29. She noted that COP29 will prioritise climate finance and emphasised the importance of involvement from governments, cities, investors, business communities, and civil society in bearing the substantial costs of the green transition. As a high-level champion, she highlighted that business engagement is a priority, and the COP29 Presidency Team is working to actively involve the business community and civil society in facilitating a smooth transition. Following her speech, Ms Arpadarai answered participants' questions thoroughly, providing insightful and detailed responses.

Mr Mustafa Musayev, Project Manager at EKM Global Consulting GmbH, presented on "How Digital Twins Reduce CO2 Emissions." He highlighted their innovative solutions and practical examples of eco-friendly operations across industries.

The event proceeded with an engaging panel discussion titled "COP29 and Businesses’ Contribution to the Paris Agreement Goals", moderated by Ms Gunel Sadiyeva, Tax Director at PwC Azerbaijan, featuring active and insightful dialogue.

Mr Ilkin Hajiyev, Executive Director of Sustainera Solutions, emphasised COP as the global hub for multilateral climate change decisions, involving nearly every country worldwide. He discussed COP's background, key outcomes from COP28 impacting businesses, and shared expectations for COP29.

Dr Henning Sasse, CEO of Norm OJSC, detailed the Azerbaijan Cement Producers Association (ACPA) and its inaugural project, the "Azerbaijan Net Zero Accelerator." He outlined its objectives, discussed the characteristics of Azerbaijan's cement sector, and highlighted plans for COP29 to showcase ACPA's initiative.

Mr Rashad Huseynli, Head of Representative Office in Azerbaijan Uniper Global Commodities SE, discussed the rapidly changing energy landscape and highlighted Uniper's business activities. He outlined Uniper's 2030 strategy, focusing on flexibility, balance, and greener gases for a secure, sustainable gas supply.

Mr Mirsayyad Mahmudov, Head of Financial Institutions at PASHA Bank OJSC, explained Green Loans and Carbon Credits. He detailed the green loan criteria, considering government regulations and current market conditions in early 2024. Mahmudov underscored the importance of long-term sustainability in these initiatives.

The event concluded with a question-and-answer session, lively discussions and a business lunch afterwards. 

We extend our gratitude to EKM Global Consulting GmbH and Food City Agrocomplex for their generous event sponsorship.