29th High-Level Meeting of NGIC Concluded in Zangilan 

Published 21 June 2024

On the final day of the 29th High-Level Meeting on “Pathway to COP29: Sustainable and Resilient Future” held in Zangilan, one of the historical and cultural villages of Karabakh. The first panel, moderated by Ismail Serageldin, Co-Chair of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, focused on "Lessons from Azerbaijan's Experience." Vahid Hajiyev, Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan for the Jabrayil, Gubadli, and Zangilan districts in the East Zangazur Economic Region, reported that previous sessions had involved extensive discussions on various aspects of climate change and solutions for this global problem. He noted the historic significance of discussing Azerbaijan's experience and ongoing efforts towards sustainable development in Karabakh and East Zangazur, as well as highlighting Azerbaijan's achievements in combating climate change and advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Faig Mutallimov, Head of the Department at the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, emphasized Azerbaijan’s particular sensitivity to climate change. 
Former Prime Minister of Malta and Member of NGIC, Joseph Muscat pointed out that a transforming economy in the region relies increasingly on renewable resources and expressed confidence that the ideas discussed would be successfully implemented by Azerbaijan.
 
The second panel in Zangilan addressed "Policy: Involvement of Lobbyists, Youth, Women’s Groups, Activists, and the Public." This panel was moderated by Zlatko Lagumdza, former Prime Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Speakers included Mehri Hüseynli, Public Relations Manager of NGIC; Leyla Hasanova, COP29 Youth Climate Champion; Parvana Valiyeva, member of the Azerbaijan National NGO Forum Board and COP29 Organizing Committee; and NGIC Young Leaders Manas Chawla from UK, Klau Chmielowska from Poland, Chengkai Xie from China and Noel Jackson from India, who addressed important issues related to global climate change.
 
Participants were also informed about the "Smart Village" project, noting that the first "Smart Village" project was initiated by President Ilham Aliyev in April 2021. The "Smart Village" project led to rapid development in Agali village, with residents returning to their homes as part of the Great Return Program.