BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 8. Media representatives observed the final preparations for COP29, Trend reports.
The media tour included Baku Media Center Head Arzu Aliyeva, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan Anar Alakbarov, COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company CEO and Chair Narmin Jarjalova, and various department heads from the operating company.
The tour began with a visit to the COP29 operating company, followed by a transfer to the Baku Olympic Stadium via electric buses.
During the media tour, Anar Alakbarov emphasized that the entire team involved in preparing for COP29 consists of local staff.
“This also includes teams from the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Regional Development Public Association,” he said.
Alakbarov also highlighted that the event will feature numerous exhibitions from photographers and sculptors.
“In addition, dozens of presentations will be held daily. There will also be special halls for NGO events, showcasing Azerbaijan’s support for their work,” he added.
Media representatives were shown the site’s infrastructure, participant registration process, and ongoing work in other areas. It was noted that 67,000 participants have registered so far, along with 3,500 media representatives covering COP29.
Detailed information was shared about the work being done in the COP29 Green and Blue Zones.
Leyla Mahmudova, Head of the COP29 Partner Relations Sector, shared that the Green Zone covers 37,500 square meters and houses 56 pavilions. She also pointed out that four conference rooms are located within the Green Zone.
“The main participants of the Green Zone will be foreign and local companies, NGOs, media, and youth groups. It will open on November 11, with daily programs scheduled,” she explained.
Azer Guliyev, Director of COP29’s Facilities Construction Department, confirmed that the area designated for UN use is fully prepared.
“92 percent of the preparation work is complete, and all tasks will be finished before the event begins. Most of the materials used for construction will be reused. The temporary structures cover 112,000 square meters, while the total area for UN use is 150,000 square meters,” he said.
Visitors also toured the pavilions of Azerbaijan, Türkiye, and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.
It was noted that Azerbaijan’s pavilion, located in the Blue Zone, focuses on the country’s sustainable development initiatives and projects. It will also feature two conference rooms.
Media representatives also visited the catering facilities.
Anar Zeynalov, Head of the Catering, Cleaning, and Waste Disposal Department of the Azerbaijan COP29 Operating Company, stated that all catering arrangements have been completed for the event.
He mentioned that staff catering has been tested for over two months.
“The renovations of new cafes and restaurants in the area are complete, and many are already open. Our ordering portal has been active since early October, and most orders have been processed. In the Green Zone, we have 56 retail outlets, two large restaurants, 28 coffee shops, and more than 24 food stalls offering international cuisine. Overall, over 90 percent of the food served at the conference will be locally sourced,” Zeynalov said.
Media representatives also met with volunteers who are actively helping with preparations for COP29.
Additionally, information was provided about the hybrid and electric vehicles being used during the event.
