Sustainable and Just Transitions: Innovations for a Greener Tomorrow

On November 14, 2024, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, in cooperation with AHK Azerbaijan, hosted an  information session at the COP29 Green Zone at the Azersun Pavilion under the theme “Sustainable and Just Transitions: Innovations for a Greener Tomorrow.”

The event brought together leading experts to explore the critical elements needed for transitioning away from fossil energy towards a zero-emission economy. Topics included hydrogen, CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage), and critical raw materials – all vital for creating a sustainable energy and material economy.

Key Highlights:

Panel 1: Foundations for Breakthroughs in Green Technologies

This panel delved into the conditions, challenges, and opportunities surrounding green technologies and their potential to transform industries. Discussions included the need for radical innovations and policy-driven structural changes to achieve a zero-emission economy.

Panel moderator:

• Prof. Ralf Wehrspohn (CEO ITEL, Professor at Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg & KENTECH, former member of the German Coal Exit Commission)

Panelists:

• Prof. Andreas Löschel (Ruhr-University Bochum, IPCC co-author)
• Prof. Qingzhe Jiang (UIBE, China & Chair of the Humboldt Zero-Emission Forum)
• Prof. Dietmar Harhoff (MPI for Innovation and Competition, Munich) online
• Torsten Lambertus (DEEP, Berlin) online
• Anja Mutscher (20blue Research Institute, Leipzig)

Panel 2: Regional & Transregional Practices in Sustainable Transitions

This session focused on the socio-economic and socio-ecological dimensions of just transitions, with examples from Germany, the US, and Azerbaijan. Panelists discussed green energy transitions, post-mining recultivation, and SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) implementation, as well as transregional pathways for sustainable transitions.

Panel moderator:

• Prof. Jonathan Everts (MLU Halle-Wittenberg, HALIS Institute for Just Transition and Sustainability)

Panelists:

• Dr. Mareike Pampus (MLU Halle-Wittenberg, HALIS Institute)
• Dr. Ben Coles (University of Leicester, UK)
• Prof. Anar Valiyev (ADA University, Baku)

Panel 3: Shaping the Legal Framework for Sustainability

This session explored the evolving legal landscape for sustainable transitions, focusing on climate finance, Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR), and the legal regulation of new technologies for climate protection. Panelists examined the complex balance between human rights, climate initiatives, and the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on climate finance.

Panel moderator:

• Prof. Azar Aliyev (Law School, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, HALIS Institute for Just Transition and Sustainability)

Panelists:

• Prof. Christian Tietje (Law School, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg)
• Dr. Dana Ruddigkeit (UBA - Environmental Agency of Germany)
• Prof. Romy Klimke (Dresden University of Technology)
• Sadiga Mehdiyeva (Environmental Law & Policy Expert, ADA University)

The Path Forward

With innovative discussions on green technologies, just transitions, and legal frameworks, this event provided a platform to reimagine the future of sustainability. It’s clear that achieving a green and just tomorrow requires collaborative efforts across sectors and regions to build the technologies, policies, and legal infrastructures that will power the transition.

Among our distinguished guests was Dr. Ralf Horlemann, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Azerbaijan, who supported discussions on sustainability and global collaboration. A big thank you to all speakers & participants and Sustainera Solutions for partnering with us to make this event a success.

The future is green—let’s continue working together for a sustainable, just tomorrow!