Azerbaijan Hosts Inaugural Training for English-Speaking Journalists Ahead of COP29 Coverage

Baku, The Gulf In a collaborative effort between the Media Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (MEDIA) and the ADA University Development and Diplomacy Institute, the inaugural training on “Sustainable Development and Climate Change” took place on March 13. The training is part of a comprehensive series aimed at preparing English-speaking journalists for active participation in covering the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29).

According to media reports, the opening ceremony featured insights from Ahmad Ismayilov, the Executive Director of the Media Development Agency, who emphasized the universal importance of environmental issues. Ismayilov stressed the serious responsibility of professional media in addressing environmental concerns and underscored the media’s pivotal role in promoting ecological literacy among the public.

During his address, Ismayilov highlighted the opportunities COP29 presents for Azerbaijani media to build effective mechanisms and respond with compelling arguments to those attempting to tarnish the country’s image based on subjective judgments.

Nargiz Ismayilova, the head of the Specialization Programs at the Institute of Development and Diplomacy, noted the significance of hosting such a prestigious event in Azerbaijan. She expressed confidence that continuous training sessions will enhance the knowledge of Azerbaijani journalists about COP29 and effectively communicate the country’s realities to the global community.

Elnur Soltanov, Deputy Minister of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Chief Executive Director for COP29 Azerbaijan, acknowledged the crucial role of media representatives in environmental protection. He emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to address environmental challenges and raise awareness about climate change in Azerbaijan.

The training featured sessions led by communication specialist Nick Medic, focusing on “The Scientific Basis of Climate Change” and “Renewable Energy: Technology and Development.” Ahmad Humbatov, Senior Researcher of the Energy and Sustainable Development Program at the Institute of Development and Diplomacy of ADA University, and trainer Ahmad Humbatov engaged in extensive discussions during sessions on topics such as “Mineral Fuels: How Negative Are They on the Environment and Can We Live Without Them?” and “Economic and Political Aspects of Climate Change.”

The training concluded with an interactive session where trainers addressed questions from journalists, fostering a deeper understanding of climate change issues and sustainability among the participants. The event marks a significant step in preparing the media for comprehensive coverage of COP29 and contributing to global conversations on climate action.