Baku Hosts COP29: 70,000 Delegates Gather to Bridge Climate Promises and Action
Baku, Azerbaijan, is buzzing with activity as it hosts the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP29. Over 70,000 delegates from nearly 200 countries have descended upon the city, filling its conference halls and streets with a mix of anticipation and determination.
The conference venue, the Olympic Stadium, is a short distance from the hotels, requiring attendees to navigate a mix of public transport and walking. Organizers have facilitated this with free COP shuttles for registered attendees.
The city itself reflects the stark contrast between climate promises and reality. Modern architecture and clean parks stand side by side with less developed neighborhoods, mirroring the global gap between climate commitments and implementation. This disparity is a recurring theme at the conference, with some countries struggling more than others to translate promises into action.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan was the first to address the high-level forum, outlining his country's climate agenda. He was one of nearly 80 leaders who gathered for the World Leaders Climate Action Summit, a key segment of COP29. The conference is not just about top-level policies and funding, but also about individual habits, decisions, and mindsets that drive climate action.
COP29 in Baku is a microcosm of the global climate challenge. It brings together world leaders, activists, and journalists to grapple with the complex issue of climate change, which affects everything from food and water to energy and jobs. As the conference continues, delegates will strive to bridge the gap between climate promises and implementation, starting with individual actions and mindsets.
