COP29: Baku Ready to Host 80,000 Guests

As the countdown to the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change intensifies, final preparations in Baku are reaching a critical phase. Slated to open at the Baku Olympic Stadium, the event promises to bring together one of the largest gatherings of climate and sustainability experts, policymakers, and advocates in recent years.

Organizers are working tirelessly in partnership with government agencies, international climate bodies, and private sector stakeholders to ensure seamless logistics and state-of-the-art venue arrangements. This COP29 is expected to be an ambitious and comprehensive event, setting the stage for impactful discussions on climate action and sustainability in a rapidly changing world. Recent data indicates that more than 50,000 participants have officially registered through the UN Climate Change Secretariat, with registrations still open, as anticipation grows. With an influx of 80,000 visitors expected, Baku has enacted substantial infrastructure and transport enhancements to accommodate the guests, including designated traffic lanes marked with COP29 symbols to ensure efficient travel for official delegates while minimizing disruptions for local residents. Given the high traffic expected, organizers have worked closely with local authorities to prioritize smooth transportation with minimal restrictions on city movement, ensuring daily routines for residents remain undisturbed.

The Baku Olympic Stadium itself, selected as the central hub for COP29, is divided into five key zones designed to streamline the event’s multifaceted agenda. In addition to the Climate Action Summit, the stadium will host numerous COP29 leadership events, bilateral meetings, and specialized delegation offices, complemented by designated areas for high-profile plenary sessions and VIP lounges. The choice of the stadium came after extensive consultations with UN representatives, aiming to leverage the facility’s spacious layout and capacity for advanced technological setups essential for global conferences.

In the heart of the venue, the Blue and Green Zones serve distinct yet complementary purposes. The Blue Zone, encompassing 26 conference rooms and nine dedicated spaces for simultaneous sessions, also boasts a pavilion section featuring 155 pavilions representing countries worldwide, fostering a dynamic environment for international cooperation. The Green Zone is tailored for broader climate stakeholders, including private sector representatives, academics, media, civil society organizations, and local communities. This diverse assembly of voices emphasizes COP29’s goal to include perspectives from across sectors, fostering dialogue on pressing climate issues. High-level events are set to run in parallel, with around 70 high-profile meetings and 60 official statements anticipated, showcasing COP29’s potential to shape the global climate agenda.

The media presence is anticipated to be significant, with over 3,000 journalists accredited for the Blue Zone and 150 applications to cover the Green Zone events, highlighting the immense global interest in COP29. The provision of an extensive array of culinary options reflects Azerbaijan’s cultural hospitality, with the National Culinary Center curating a menu that captures local flavors while accommodating international tastes. The stadium will house four major kitchens, 56 cafes, and restaurants, with a capacity to serve over 6,000 attendees per hour. Sustainability is a focal point, with organizers implementing robust waste management practices, including the sorting and recycling of food waste, setting a precedent for eco-friendly event management.

Azerbaijan’s State Migration Service, in collaboration with the COP29 Organizing Committee and Azerbaijan Operational Company, has optimized migration protocols, extending registration periods and simplifying entry procedures to ease the process for international delegates. This initiative reflects Azerbaijan’s commitment to providing a seamless experience for attendees.

In light of the brief preparation period, Azerbaijan has achieved remarkable success in organizing COP29, demonstrating a well-coordinated approach that underscores the country’s readiness to host large-scale international events. As the final preparations come to a close, Baku is poised to deliver an unforgettable and impactful COP29, promising pivotal dialogues and innovative solutions for a sustainable future.