In a pivotal moment during the ongoing COP28 Climate Change Conference in Dubai, a side event titled “Science of Networks: Financing Youth-Led Climate Action in the South Caucasus ‘Analysis and UN-Compliant Strategies’ ” took place on December 8, 2023, at the Azerbaijan Pavilion in Dubai Expo City. This event aims to address innovative financing strategies that empower youth-led climate initiatives in the South Caucasus region. Co-hosted by the Ministry of Youth and Sport, the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, and YOUNGO—the official children and youth constituency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)—the event gathered 50 selected participants, including youth activists, civil society representatives, and high-level government officials. The side event panel discussion focused on key issues surrounding youth-driven climate action involving ethical implications of engaging youth in climate initiatives, balancing local grassroots efforts with UN-compliant strategies, and the need for supportive frameworks to bolster youth-led projects. Notable speakers include Mukhtar Babayev, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, and Emilie McGlone, Director of Peace Boat US. They emphasized the critical role young people play in shaping effective climate policies. Adding a visual element to the event, the "Plastic Man" circulated among attendees to highlight the urgent need for plastic waste reduction. The primary goal of the side event is to foster collaboration between youth, experts, and governments, generating actionable insights for financing youth-led initiatives. This initiative underscores the belief that empowering young leaders is essential for tackling climate challenges in the South Caucasus. As the COP28 conference unfolded, the discussions at this side event provided a vital platform for ensuring that the voices of young people are integral to the global dialogue on sustainability and climate action.

At the recent Summit of the Future, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President expressed gratitude to world leaders for their commitment to integrating sport into the United Nations' Pact for the Future. This pivotal agreement emphasizes the importance of sport in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Central to the Pact is the Declaration on Future Generations, in which UN Member States pledge to “invest in accessible, safe, inclusive, and equitable quality education for all, including physical education and sport.” The declaration promotes lifelong learning, technical and vocational training, and digital literacy, aiming to ensure the intergenerational transfer of knowledge and skills to empower future generations. The inclusion of sport in this historic pact marks another significant achievement in the IOC’s collaboration with the UN. The IOC has maintained a status of Permanent Observer at the UN, further solidifying its role in global discussions on sustainable development. This partnership reached a landmark moment in 2015 when the UN officially recognized sport as an “important enabler” of sustainable development, incorporating it into the UN’s Agenda 2030. As nations unite to address pressing global challenges, the recognition of sport as a critical component of education and development serves as a testament to its potential in fostering inclusive and equitable societies. The IOC remains committed to leveraging the power of sport to drive positive change and ensure a better future for all.

In Azerbaijan, young climate activists are taking innovative steps to address the growing environmental crisis. Among them is 18-year-old Leyla, who recalls witnessing the pollution of lakes and rivers near her hometown during family outings. Disturbed by the sight of plastic and metal bottles littering the waterways, she became concerned about the harmful impact on local wildlife and ecosystems. “I was deeply troubled because the waste not only ruined the natural beauty but also posed serious risks to the wildlife living in these areas,” said Leyla, now a young climate activist. Leyla and her friends developed a prototype for a device that can clean water bodies without human intervention, addressing both pollution and the potential health risks faced by workers tasked with cleaning these contaminated areas. “We realized that cleaning polluted water bodies can be dangerous for workers, increasing the risk of disease transmission and other health hazards,” Leyla explained. Her innovative solution earned her an award in the Green Technology category of a local competition. Encouraged by this success, she applied to a joint program organized by UNICEF, Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports. The initiative, which began in summer 2023, is designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of young people in the fields of climate action and environmental protection. The Young Climate Envoys Program is part of a broader effort to promote sustainable solutions and green energy initiatives in Azerbaijan, with a focus on preparing youth to address both national and global climate challenges. Following a national call for applications, Leyla joined a group of 19 young climate volunteers and leaders who received extensive training from local experts on topics ranging from climate negotiations to water resource management. “I believe if more young people take this issue seriously, we can create a more sustainable future,” Leyla said. The program’s goal is to increase awareness of climate change and its possible solutions, both among youth and the wider public. As part of the initiative, two participants from the current cohort will represent Azerbaijan at COP28, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, set to take place in Dubai from November 30 to December 12, 2023. One of the representatives, 19-year-old Oruj Bayramov, emphasized the need for world leaders to prioritize renewable energy and global cooperation in tackling climate challenges. “As a young climate envoy, I believe in the power of global collaboration to solve the climate crisis,” he stated. Oruj, motivated by the desire to contribute to climate solutions, hopes to launch a community-based environmental project in Azerbaijan aimed at promoting sustainable practices among the public. “I am committed to continuing these initiatives to build a more resilient and sustainable society,” he added. Another program participant, 19-year-old Gozal Humbatzadeh, is using her passion for green technology to research the potential for solar energy in Azerbaijan. With a focus on solar panel production, she is utilizing artificial intelligence to assess the costs of implementing these technologies in homes and farms. Through the program, Gozal will lead educational sessions to raise awareness about climate change, emphasizing the importance of local climate risks and sustainable practices. “Even the smallest action against climate change can have a significant impact, much like the hidden part of an iceberg,” she concluded. The Young Climate Envoys Program empowers Azerbaijan’s youth to play an active role in addressing climate issues, offering them the tools and knowledge to influence policy and advocate for sustainable solutions at both local and global levels.

The “Baku Decides” I Youth Climate Negotiation International Conference, a significant platform for dialogue on pressing global issues, kicked off in Azerbaijan, drawing attention to the critical environmental challenges impacting children. In a push to address these urgent issues, UNICEF convened international and local health experts to discuss the disproportionate effects of climate change on young populations, who bear the brunt of environmental hazards despite contributing the least to the crisis. At the event, international and local health experts discussed the growing impact of environmental factors on children's health and explored solutions to protect their well-being. Abheet Solomon, Senior Health Programme Manager at UNICEF Headquarters, highlighted the importance of engaging young people in the decision-making processes that will shape their futures. "Young voices must be at the table when shaping policies that impact their world," Solomon emphasized. A key moment was the presentation of Azerbaijan's first-ever Children’s Environmental Health Assessment, conducted in 2023 by UNICEF and the Ministry of Health. Dr. Ismayil Afandiyev of Azerbaijan Medical University presented findings, underscoring the need for immediate action to address environmental health risks facing children. The first official appearance of the designated COP29 presidency took place at the "Baku Decides” event. With COP29 set to be held in Azerbaijan, this gathering served as a platform to showcase the country's dedication to sustainable practices and global climate action. UNICEF continues to push for children's involvement in shaping national policies on climate, energy, and disaster risk reduction, stressing that the decisions made today will have lasting effects on future generations.

Azerbaijan has been selected to host the 29th session of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29), following a strong presence at COP28 in Dubai. The country’s national pavilion, organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, featured 25 parallel events, including one led by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, showcasing Azerbaijan's commitment to climate action. In a significant move, President Ilham Aliyev has declared 2024 as the “Year of Solidarity for a Green World” in Azerbaijan. This initiative will further highlight the nation’s leadership in environmental efforts as it prepares to host the prestigious COP29 conference. The announcement marks a major milestone in Azerbaijan's growing role on the global climate stage.