About the Mission ―
Background & Benefits:
Building on the momentum of the U.S. Chamber's successful COP28 GreenTech Business Delegations and country-specific visits to Brazil, Türkiye, and the UAE, the Chamber will lead a Business Delegation to COP29 in Baku this Fall.
The business mission is focused on supporting companies' presence at COP29 in Baku, including:
- Up-to-date information about thematic programming and opportunities at COP29 by participating in invitation-only informational webinars in the lead up to the event.
- Government- and private-sector-led briefings, panels, and discussions.
- Feature on a registry of U.S. companies attending COP29, that will be shared with government officials in attendance.
- U.S. Chamber's marquee private sector reception on the evening of November 16.
- Eurasia Conference with the U.S. Department of Commerce on November 16.
- Exclusive networking events, including an additional evening reception.
Please Note: In order to be transparent with our delegates, please note that the following are not included as benefits for the delegation: blue zone badges; exhibition space; guaranteed speaking roles; flight and hotel accommodations; and private meetings with government officials.
Delegate Registration:
Sign up to participate in the delegation at no cost. How many will be joining from your organization?
If your company is sponsoring the mission, please select the "Sponsor" option below.
Sponsorship Opportunities:
The COP29 Advisory Council
Joining the Chamber's COP29 Advisory Council is more than just a commitment; it's a powerful opportunity to help shape the global climate discussion on behalf of the U.S. business community.
As a member of the Council, your insights will be instrumental in steering the Chamber's pre-COP29 conversations and strategic dialogues in Baku. You'll help guide our initiatives and ensure our programming aligns with your objectives.
For more information on sponsorships, please contact Jennifer Miel or Kendall Stephenson.
About COP29 ―
Overview:
The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the supreme decision-making body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change ("UNFCCC" or "Convention"). It holds an annual meeting representing and convening all States that are Parties to the Convention. The meeting is a pivotal event held to review and promote the effective implementation of the Convention, address any legal instruments that the COP needs to adopt, and take high-level decisions on institutional and administrative issues.
Priorities:
A key agenda item at COP29 will be to review progress on national communications and emission inventories submitted by the Parties and gauge the effectiveness of these measures towards achieving the ultimate objectives of the Convention.
Other COP29 priorities include but are not limited to:
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
- Building resilience to climate-related impacts
- Promoting sustainable practices
- Implementing policies and initiatives to transition to low-carbon economies
Two Week Agenda & Thematic Days:
- Monday, November 11: COP29 Opening
- Tuesday, November 12: World Leaders Climate Action Summit
- Wednesday, November 13: World Leaders Climate Action Summit
- Thursday, November 14: Finance, Investment and Trade
- Friday, November 15: Energy / Peace, Relief and Recovery
- Saturday, November 16: Science, Technology and Innovation / Digitalisation
- Sunday, November 17: Rest Day and No Thematic Programming
- Monday, November 18: Human Capital / Children and Youth / Health / Education
- Tuesday, November 19: Food, Agriculture and Water
- Wednesday, November 20: Urbanisation / Transport / Tourism
- Thursday, November 21: Nature and Biodiversity / Indigenous People / Gender Equality / Oceans and Coastal Zones
- Friday, November 22: Final Negotiations
COP28 Highlights:
Check out some of our best moments from last year's COP in Dubai. Plus, watch a recap of our 2023 UAE GreenTech Mission.
Venue:
Floor Plan:
The hubs will provide a backdrop for all stakeholders to connect, share and learn to progress climate action. In addition to the leading organizations who will showcase products and services there will be a full schedule of focused programs that will take place across the Green Zone including presentations, workshops, briefings, music and cultural events.
To ensure attendees can maximize their time within the Green Zone there will be food courts, cafes, water stations, rest and relaxation spaces.
COP29 will feature two main zones: the Blue Zone and the Green Zone.
Blue Zone:
The Blue Zone is the formal conference and negotiation space managed by the UNFCCC. All the official sessions, meetings, side events and press conferences held during COP29 will take place in the Blue Zone. Only UNFCCC-accredited participants, including Party delegations, Heads of State, admitted observers and the accredited press can enter the Blue Zone.
Green Zone:
The Green Zone at COP29, managed and delivered by the COP29 Presidency, is a vibrant and dynamic space designed to bring together non-accredited delegates from diverse sectors. This inclusive platform welcomes businesses, the public, youth groups, civil society, academia, and artists to engage in meaningful dialogue and collaboration.
At COP29, we recognize the essential role of both government and the private sector in addressing the urgent challenge of climate change. Our innovative approach to the Green Zone offers the private sector a unique opportunity to showcase their contributions and solutions to the global climate crisis. Through cutting-edge technologies, climate action innovations, and entrepreneurial ventures, the private sector will play a pivotal role in the COP29 Presidency's mission.
The Green Zone is dedicated to advancing the COP29 Presidency's vision and priorities for climate action, in alignment with the global goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Agenda 2030.
- Green Zone Hubs: The Hubs will provide a focal point for climate action, focusing on eight key themes to help achieve a sustainable future for all.
- Features & Amenities: Key features included are activations, interactive exhibits, concerts, discussions, and events that highlight climate action and sustainable best practices. Moreover, to ensure attendees can maximize their time within the Green Zone there will be food courts, cafes, water stations, rest and relaxation spaces.
COP29 Presidency Team:
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President-Designate
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Lead Negotiator
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Chief Executive Officer
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Chief Operating Officer
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High-Level Champion
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Youth Champion
H.E. Mukhtar Babayev
H.E. Mukhtar Babayev is the COP29 President-Designate. Mr. Babayev was appointed to this position in January 2024, having led Azerbaijan’s delegation to five previous COPs. He has served as Azerbaijan’s Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources since 2018 where he has led national efforts to address historic ecological damage, improve Azerbaijan’s environment, and drive climate-positive growth.
In 2010, Mr. Babayev was elected to the National Assembly of Azerbaijan, where he served as a member of the Parliamentary Committee on Natural Resources, Energy and Ecology. Before entering politics, Mr. Babayev worked at the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR), where in his role as Vice-President for Ecology he developed and oversaw the company’s sustainability and environmental efforts.
In his role as COP29 President-Designate, H.E. Mukhtar Babayev will develop and advance the Presidency’s Plan, bring the Parties together, ensure that Parties fulfill their previous promises, and push for greater ambition so that the world can meet the goals and ambitions of the Paris Climate Agreement.
H.E. Yalchin Rafiyev
Yalchin Rafiyev is the Lead Negotiator for COP29 Azerbaijan. Mr. Rafiyev serves as Deputy Foreign Minister and has worked at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for almost two decades. He has served in multiple roles to advance multilateral diplomacy, including as Third and Second Secretary at the Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan to the UN Office in Vienna and the First Secretary at the Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan to the UN Office in Geneva.
He has led the International Security Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan for some five years. Mr. Rafiyev holds an Honours degree from Baku State University and has completed post-graduate programs at the NATO Defense College and the International Anti-Corruption Academy.
In his role as Lead Negotiator, Mr. Rafiyev will work with the 198 Parties to the UNFCCC to build consensus and refine potential landing zones for the negotiations based on a shared vision of success, all within a fair and transparent process.
H.E. Elnur Soltanov
Elnur Soltanov is the Chief Executive Officer of COP29 Azerbaijan. Mr. Soltanov was appointed Deputy Minister of Energy in 2018. He has served as Dean at the School of Public and International Affairs and Director of the Caspian Energy and Environment Center.
Mr. Soltanov holds a PhD in Political Science from Texas Tech University, where he also taught, and holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in international relations from the Middle East Technical University in Turkey.
In his role as CEO, Mr. Soltanov will coordinate the Presidency’s activities and the delivery of its agenda. Mr. Soltanov will also represent the Presidency at multilateral forums to advance climate action.
H.E. Narmin Jarchalova
Narmin Jarchalova is the Chief Operating Officer for COP29 Azerbaijan. Ms. Jarchalova has worked for the Heydar Aliyev Foundation as the champion for environmental protection and climate action initiatives. She previously held various positions within the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan and served as the project manager for the Azerbaijan pavilion at COP28.
Ms. Jarchalova holds a bachelor’s degree from the Azerbaijan University of Languages, a master’s in diplomacy and international relations from ADA University, and a master’s in public administration from University College London.
In her role as COO, Ms. Jarchalova will ensure the effective and sustainable delivery of the COP29 event and provide the enabling environment for global delegates to convene and agree the next steps for global climate action.
H.E. Nigar Arpadarai
Nigar Arpadarai is the UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP29 Azerbaijan. Ms. Arpadarai is a member of Azerbaijan’s National Assembly where she serves on the Committee on International and Interparliamentary Relations and Committee on Family, Women and Children. She has represented Azerbaijan in different international organizations. Ms. Arpadarai studied international law and holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Baku State University.
In her role as UN Climate Change High-Level Champion, Ms. Arpadarai will contribute to stronger and more ambitious climate action by strengthening the engagement of non-State actors in supporting the parties to deliver on climate goals. She will also work with the private sector to ensure that they have the awareness, capacity and tools to make sustainability central to their operations and activities.
H.E. Leyla Hasanova
Leyla Hasanova is the Youth Climate Champion for COP29 Azerbaijan. Ms. Hasanova is the Chairperson of the Non-Aligned Movement Youth Organization, and has previously worked as Head of the Secretariat of the Non-Aligned Movement Youth Organization and Program Coordinator at the Institute for Development and Diplomacy at ADA University. She holds a Master’s degree in public administration and graduated from the United National System Staff College (UNSSC) and the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR).
In her role as Youth Climate Champion, Ms. Hasanova will amplify the voices of youth-led and youth-focused organizations to ensure that they are mainstreamed into climate diplomacy and the COP process. She will also work with YOUNGO, the official children and youth constituency of the UNFCCC, to empower children and youth and promote youth participation in climate action.