Aydin Garayev – Cambridge MBA Class of 2024 – a personal perspective
As an Azerbaijani and a Cambridge MBA student, I feel a deep sense of pride in seeing COP29 hosted in my home country. Azerbaijan, known for its energy resources, now aims to balance that heritage with ambitious goals in renewables, aligning with the international community’s push toward a greener future. COP29 provides a unique opportunity for nations to unite around key initiatives, such as green energy zones, the Climate Finance Action Fund, and strategies for enhancing climate resilience. These discussions have the potential to set impactful, long-term solutions that will drive a greener, more resilient future. It’s a privilege to witness my country at the forefront of these vital global efforts.
Azerbaijan has long been committed to contributing meaningfully to the global sustainability agenda, leveraging our natural resources responsibly and investing in renewable energy projects that balance economic growth with environmental stewardship. COP29 represents a unique moment for us to demonstrate our dedication to a greener, more resilient future and to contribute concrete solutions that address the climate crisis.
My experience at Cambridge Judge Business School has strengthened my understanding of the strategic importance of ESG practices, and I am inspired by Azerbaijan’s leadership in this area. Together, through platforms like COP29, we can work towards a future where sustainability is embedded in the core of global development, shaping a legacy that benefits society, the planet, and future generations.
Farid Mammadli – Cambridge MBA Class of 2024 – a personal perspective
As an Azerbaijani student studying at the University of Cambridge, the opportunity for the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, is meaningful to me. This global conference not only emphasises the urgent need to address climate change but also brings critical sectors like energy and aviation into focus. As these two industries are areas of personal interest to me, I am particularly eager to explore how COP29 can drive sustainable changes in energy production and aviation practices.
Energy is the most significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and is a top priority for global climate action. Azerbaijan has historically been known for its oil and gas resources, which have driven our economy and energy infrastructure. Nevertheless, the country has set a target to increase renewable power capacity to 30% by 2030. Not only is this shift important for our local environment, but it also serves as an example of how countries with rich fossil fuel resources can transition to greener solutions. COP29 marks another opportunity (such as in the planned “Green Energy Zones and Corridors” event ) to advance the urgent need to transition away from fossil fuels and expand solar and wind capacities. If countries like Azerbaijan can successfully embrace renewable energy, it sends a message that I hope will resonate globally: a sustainable future is within reach for even the most energy-dependent economies.
The aviation sector is also essential in this conversation, as it is responsible for a considerable share of global emissions. COP29 provides an opportunity (such as in the planned “International Aviation and Climate Change” event) to discuss how the aviation industry can innovate toward greener practices. To my mind, much of the industry’s progress will depend on the successful modernisation of the airline fleet. Aircrafts such as Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Airbus A320neo, and A350 families, are up to 20-25% more fuel-efficient than their predecessors. Additionally, the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which is currently quite costly compared to conventional jet fuel, and efforts to reduce its price will be crucial in reducing emissions in the long run.
All in all, this is a proud moment for Azerbaijan, and I’m excited to see my home country step forward as a leader in this crucial global effort. With COP29, we have a unique opportunity to set meaningful standards for climate action. The question we must all ask ourselves is: Are we ready to commit fully to the changes our planet so urgently needs?
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