A series of events continued on the third day of the COP29 conference in Baku, as part of the Green Zone programme. A joint panel session was held on November 13, organised by the COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company and Rhenus, the Official Logistics Partner for COP29.

The session, entitled “Climate Justice and Equity”, addressed the critical role of businesses in mitigating the impacts of climate change and their contributions to achieving the global net-zero carbon target.

Participants included Leyla Hasanova, Youth Climate Champion for COP29 Azerbaijan; Rueanna Haynes, international climate law and governance specialist, leading the Climate Diplomacy team’s support to the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) Chair; Aleksandra Ogneva, Head of Board Projects of Rhenus Group; Dr Adelle Thomas, Vice-Chair of Working Group II of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC); and Ismahane Elouafi, Executive Managing Director, CGIAR.

The panel underscored the urgent need for just and inclusive climate policies, citing the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable populations, including low-income communities, indigenous groups, women, and youth.

Successful examples of gender-responsive approaches, equitable policies and youth-led initiatives were also highlighted.

The COP29 Green Zone featured a diverse range of events and activities on November 13, in addition to the panel session organised by the COP29 Azerbaijan OC.

Discussions and sessions covered the vital role of oceans in climate change mitigation, rising sea levels, community-based coastal protection, and decarbonisation strategies. Meanwhile, the Green Zone’s Extreme Hangout offered a vibrant mix of yoga, film screenings, and live music.