Story: Dennis Ato Keelson, Baku, Azerbaijan
Security has been exceptionally tight at the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), currently underway in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The 10-day COP29 conference (November 11-22, 2024,) is focused on several key thematic areas, including the World Leaders Climate Action Summit, finance, investment and trade, energy and peace, relief and recovery, and science, technology and innovation.
World leaders have gathered to address the pressing issue of climate change, ensuring their safety and security is of utmost importance.
With the high profile of personalities and over 50,0000 delegates participating in the conference, the UN, in collaboration with the Azerbaijani Government, has taken measures to strengthen security, particularly in light of the high-profile nature of the event.
While specific details of the security arrangements are not publicly available, it’s clear that the UN and Azerbaijani government are working together to provide a secure environment for all participants.
To provide a secure environment, police and military personnel have been deployed throughout Baku, with additional personnel stationed at strategic points around the Baku International Stadium, the conference centre. Police patrol cars are also positioned at various locations to enhance security.
Equally important, thousands of Azerbaijani tertiary students have been trained as volunteers to assist delegates with directions, hotel information, and other essential services. Notably, these volunteers are accommodating, lively, and always ready to help.
In fact, COP29 is not just about security; it’s a pivotal moment for global cooperation on climate action. The conference aims to accelerate progress on the Paris Agreement, with a focus on finance, ambition, and implementation.
World leaders are expected to present updated national climate action plans, which will be crucial in limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.