Leyla Aliyeva Shines at COP31 in Antalya: Azerbaijan–Türkiye Joint Pavilion Draws Global Spotlight as Talks with WWF Focus on Caucasian Leopard and Caspian Sea
From the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Zero Waste Foundation pavilion to high-level talks with WWF, Leyla Aliyeva puts Azerbaijan’s environmental mission at the heart of COP31
Antalya, The Gulf Observer: Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, and Alena Aliyeva visited the joint pavilion of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Türkiye’s Zero Waste Foundation on 13 November, on the sidelines of the 31st session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye.
While touring the pavilion, Leyla Aliyeva and Alena Aliyeva were briefed on the stands on display and the projects presented there. They also visited other pavilions operating at the venue.
From Baku to Antalya: A Pavilion Born at COP29
The idea for the joint pavilion was first conceived during COP29, held in Baku in 2024. The pavilion organised during that conference was among the most visited at the event, and its return at COP31 underlines the growing partnership between Azerbaijan and Türkiye in climate and environmental action.
The pavilion showcases projects implemented by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in social, cultural, educational, healthcare, reconstruction and restoration work, environmental protection, multiculturalism and other fields. It also highlights the activities of both foundations, along with interactive projects on display.
Visit to Uzbekistan’s National Pavilion
Leyla Aliyeva and Alena Aliyeva also visited Uzbekistan’s national pavilion. Built around the concept “A Vineyard: Heritage of the Past, Solutions for the Present, Inspiration for the Future,” it featured presentations on initiatives and projects in renewable energy, water resource conservation, biodiversity protection and environmental awareness.
High-Level Talks with WWF on Rare Wildlife
Leyla Aliyeva then held meetings with high-level representatives of several international organisations and environmental experts on the margins of COP31.
In a meeting with Manuel Pulgar-Vidal, WWF Global Lead for Climate and Energy, the two sides highlighted joint projects run under the cooperation between IDEA and WWF. These projects aim to protect the Caucasian leopard and to reintroduce goitered gazelles and European bison to their historical habitats in Azerbaijan. They also discussed opportunities to expand cooperation in biodiversity conservation and in restoring rare animal populations and ecosystems.
Caspian Sea and Biodiversity in Focus
Leyla Aliyeva also met and exchanged views with other international experts, scientists and representatives of nature conservation organisations taking part in events organised by the IDEA Public Union on the sidelines of COP31.
The discussions covered the environmental challenges facing the Caspian Sea, the impact of climate change on biodiversity, the protection of natural ecosystems, the expansion of scientific research and the sharing of international best practices.
Leyla Aliyeva’s engagements in Antalya show how Azerbaijan, building on its COP29 presidency, continues to present itself as an active voice in global climate diplomacy and nature conservation.
