The opening ceremony of the United Nations Local Conference of Youth on Climate Change – “LCOY Azerbaijan 2025” was held at Baku State University (BSU), organized by the “EkoSfera” Ecological-Social Center in partnership with BSU and “SEA BREEZE Resort,” with media support from "CBC – Caspian International Broadcasting Company."

On its first day, hosted by BSU, the conference brought together more than 150 young climate leaders, representatives of government institutions, international organizations, and leading national experts.

Speaking at the opening, Firuze Sultan-zade, head of the “EkoSfera” Ecological-Social Center and a member of the COP29 Organizing Committee, stressed that young people are key actors in the fight against climate change and wished success to the event.

BSU Rector Elchin Babayev expressed pride that such a conference was being held in Azerbaijan for the first time. He noted that this conference is part of the YOUNGO platform, the official youth constituency of the UNFCCC, and aims to amplify youth voices in global climate processes. “LCOY” is traditionally held ahead of the annual COP conferences, contributing directly to global negotiations. The upcoming COP30 will be held this November in Belém, Brazil, and its decisions are expected to shape the global climate agenda for decades.

Rector Babayev emphasized that under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan’s state policy is based on combating climate change and implementing “green development” principles, prioritizing renewable energy. He highlighted that Karabakh and East Zangezur have been designated as “green energy zones,” and Azerbaijan’s hosting of COP29 further strengthened this vision internationally. He also underlined the roles of First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva, who strongly supports sustainability initiatives in education, science, and culture, and Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Leyla Aliyeva, whose IDEA Public Union has long promoted youth participation in environmental projects and climate action.

The rector further noted BSU’s recent initiatives ensuring student participation in climate-related activities, such as the Student Space, EcoSpace, and EcoEnergy Hub. He expressed confidence that “LCOY Azerbaijan 2025” would mark the beginning of a new youth-led climate movement in the country, and that the ideas and recommendations formed here would contribute significantly to COP30 in Brazil.

Vladanka Andreyeva, UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan, emphasized that while climate change poses global risks, it also provides opportunities for young people to showcase innovative solutions. She noted that 2024 had been a milestone year for Azerbaijan in this field, culminating in successfully hosting COP29. She underlined that the main aim of “LCOY Azerbaijan 2025” is to ensure youth voices and initiatives are heard ahead of COP30.

Nigar Arpadarai, UN High-Level Climate Champion and Member of the Milli Majlis, noted that climate change affects all countries, including Azerbaijan, and stressed that youth are the driving force of this process. She called for creating new opportunities and support for young people to realize their ideas.

Leyla Hasanova, Azerbaijan’s Youth Climate Champion for COP29, highlighted that youth must unite for a more just, sustainable, and green future and emphasized that their ideas at this conference would be crucial for COP30.

Following the opening ceremony, workshops and panel discussions on various climate-related topics were held, including: “Climate Action 101 – The Global Youth Movement,” “From Initiative to Impact – Climate Leadership for Youth,” “Climate Leadership and Community Engagement,” “Digital Platforms and Social Media for Climate Awareness,” “University Climate Activism,” “Local Implementation of Climate-Responsive Policies,” “Climate Education and Behavioral Change,” “Youth Contributions to Global Climate Movements,” “AI for Environmental Monitoring,” “Sustainable Agriculture and Climate-Resilient Food Systems,” and “Large-Scale Economic Development Projects and Climate Change.”

The second day of the conference will take place on September 2 at “SEA BREEZE Resort,” where the Azerbaijan Youth Declaration on Climate will be adopted and the official closing ceremony will be held.