Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 13
By Trend:
Vice-president of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Founder and Director of the International Dialogue for Environmental Action (IDEA) global initiative Leyla Aliyeva has visited headquarters of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in Nairobi, Kenya.
Leyla Aliyeva was informed about the activities of UNEP, an agency of the UN that coordinates United Nations environmental activities, assisting developing countries in implementing environmentally sound policies and practices. It was founded as a result of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in June 1972. UNEP also has six regional offices and various country offices. Its activities cover a wide range of issues regarding the atmosphere, marine and terrestrial ecosystems, environmental governance and green economy. UNEP has also been active in funding and implementing environment related development projects. World Environment Day is run by the United Nations Environment Programme.
The Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation met UNEP Executive Director and Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations Achim Steiner, who hailed what the IDEA has been doing to protect environment.
He noted that UNEP was interested in close cooperation with the Azerbaijani government and non-governmental organizations.
The Executive Director said UNEP had implemented a number of large-scaled projects in the field of environment, and stressed the necessity of expanding mutual activities with youth on this front.
Leyla Aliyeva highlighted the Heydar Aliyev Foundation`s projects in the country and abroad. She also spoke of the Azerbaijani government`s environmental policy.
The Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation briefed Steiner on work carried out by the IDEA campaign, which was launched in 2011.
"IDEA is based on the principles of dialogue, action, leadership and education - all essential ingredients for equipping a generation to create positive and sustainable environmental change."
Leyla Aliyeva also stressed the importance of the Green Week project co-organized by the Azerbaijani government, IDEA and UNEP in Baku in 2012. She invited the UNEP Executive Director to visit Baku.
Following the meeting Leyla Aliyeva spoke to journalists to provide an insight into the activities of the IDEA campaign and its futures plans.