Gender Hub Azerbaijan at COP29
Gender Hub Azerbaijan
As Gender Hub Azerbaijan, we implemented a number of initiatives to strengthen gender equality and youth participation in the run-up to COP29 and during the conference. Our activities served to bring women’s and youth voices to climate justice both in Azerbaijan and internationally.
Empowering Women in the Green Economy
We organized the “Green Business and Eco-Leadership Development Program for Women Entrepreneurs” in Lankaran to support women in building sustainable and environmentally conscious businesses. The program provided participants with practical knowledge and hands-on skills in areas such as green entrepreneurship, eco-friendly business practices. Through interactive workshops and mentorship sessions women entrepreneurs explored innovative ways to integrate sustainability into their businesses while developing leadership and problem-solving skills. The program also encouraged participants to network, share experiences, and learn from each other, fostering a community of empowered women committed to economic change in their regions.
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As Gender Hub Azerbaijan, we implemented the “Youth’s Green Skills” event in Ganja and provided young people with practical skills to combat the climate crisis. And through the Launch of Global Brief on Climate and SRHR in partnership with ARROW, that we presented at the COP29 Green Zone, we raised the issue of the role of young people in the field of sexual and reproductive health and rights.Gender and Climate Justice
The “Towards a More Inclusive COP29” side event held by Gender Hub Azerbaijan in New York to highlight the importance of gender equality and inclusion in climate discussions. In sessions held in the COP29 Blue Zone, we highlighted the connection between gender-based violence and harmful practices and the climate crisis, and highlighted women’s unique vulnerabilities.
Global Collaboration and Intercultural Dialogue
The “Role of Women and Youth in Pioneering Eco-Friendly Enterprises” event in Baku connected gender equality advocates from around the world. We also signed international collaboration initiatives with experts from Kenya, Canada, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, and Vienna to strengthen women’s positions on the climate crisis.
In the “Women in Renewable Energy”, we highlighted the essential role of women in shaping climate solutions and breaking stereotypes in energy-related careers. It brought together 25 diverse participants from various sectors and featured 4 expert panelists, who shared insights on women’s leadership in the transition to sustainable energy.
One participant reflected: “When I started working in the oil and gas sector in the 1990s, I felt out of place in a male-dominated environment. Hearing young women say the same today surprised me. Nevertheless, it is encouraging to see our young women aspiring to enter the field.”
In the “Women in Renewable Energy”, we highlighted the essential role of women in shaping climate solutions and breaking stereotypes in energy-related careers. It brought together 25 diverse participants from various sectors and featured 4 expert panelists, who shared insights on women’s leadership in the transition to sustainable energy.
One participant reflected: “When I started working in the oil and gas sector in the 1990s, I felt out of place in a male-dominated environment. Hearing young women say the same today surprised me. Nevertheless, it is encouraging to see our young women aspiring to enter the field.”
Addressing gender based violence and harmful practices in climate action
Together with UNFPA Azerbaijan, we spotlighted the links between climate change and gender-based violence (GBV). The events focused on developing climate-resilient GBV prevention programs, strengthening response services, and launching the “Gender Justice in Climate Action: Ending Violence” Call for Action. Experts and partners came together to commit to integrating GBV prevention into climate policies.A key outcome was the signing of a joint action commitment to integrate GBV prevention into climate policies.
Speech at the closing plenary SB60
At the closing plenary of SB60, Maryam Majidova, CEO of Gender Hub Azerbaijan, delivered a strong speech on the importance of placing gender equality at the heart of climate negotiations. She called for an ambitious, inclusive, and intersectional Gender Action Plan, stressing that commitments must be measurable and well resourced. In her remarks, she firmly rejected any backtracking on existing gender commitments, underlined that there can be no compromise on gender equality, and urged Parties to show political will and accountability. By voicing these demands at such a high-level forum, Gender Hub Azerbaijan reaffirmed that gender equality is essential for effective and just climate action.
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We hosted an online webinar, “Thirst for Change: Exploring the Impact of Water Scarcity on Women,” to discuss the impact of water scarcity on women. In the “Climate Justice and Gender Equality” session held at the COP29 Information Center, we highlighted the social and economic challenges women face in the face of climate change.With all these initiatives, Gender Hub Azerbaijan contributed to making COP29 not only a climate conference, but also a platform where the voices of women and young people are heard and gender equality comes to the fore.