The European Union, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources and the Modern Educational Complex Named in Honour of Heydar Aliyev, organized the School Symposium on Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation measures. The symposium that took place within the framework of EU-funded EU4Climate and GCF-funded National Adaptation Plan (NAP) projects, both implemented by UNDP, provided a platform for high school students to showcase their research projects on climate change mitigation and adaptation measures.

The event was aimed to promote awareness of environmental challenges and encourage young boys and girls to seek solutions through effective measures for mitigating and adapting to the challenges posed by climate change.

At the symposium, the officials of organizers observed the projects of the participants of “The Future Starts Here”-themed School Contest.

The contest attracted approximately one hundred schoolchildren from 13 schools. The high-school children demonstrated their passion and interest in finding new solutions to address the challenges of climate change and presented feasible projects that can be easily implemented and administered.

Overall, the School Symposium on Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation measures was a great success in promoting environmental sustainability and encouraging young minds to take proactive steps towards protecting our planet.

“For two consecutive years, the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan has tirelessly championed the active involvement of educational institutions in this pursuit. This gives us hope that we will achieve the goals set for us,” Mr. Mukhtar Babayev, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan. 

“EU gives an utmost importance to international cooperation in promoting climate-neutral and resilient development, the transition to inclusive green and circular economies, the conservation and sustainable use of ecosystems and natural resources and the preservation of global common goods. Under the EU4Climate Programme as part of the strong partnership between the EU and the Government of Azerbaijan, the European Union supports Azerbaijan in its commitment to update and enhance the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement, to build national capacities to integrate low-emission and climate-resilient actions into the national development plan as well as align climate change legislation with the EU standards”, said Mr. Peter Michalko, EU Ambassador to Azerbaijan.

“Integrating climate action and principles of just transition and green economy into prevention planning, response plans and stimulus packages, as well as national and sub-national policies and investments, can lay the foundation for a low-emission and resilient society,” Mr. Nuno Queirós, UNDP Resident Representative a.i. in Azerbaijan said in his speech. “This is not just about Governments, businesses, investors and civil society. The action of every person will count to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.”

After the intellectual game, partner organizations presented awards to both the winners of “The Future Starts Here” School Contest and the quiz.

Media contact 

Vusala Abbasova, UNDP Azerbaijan, +995 505 37 39, vusala.abbasova@undp.org