BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 8. Youth's
contribution to climate action has already become important since
today, COP29 President and Representative of the President of
Azerbaijan on Climate Issues, Mukhtar Babayev, said during a
roundtable on "Youth-Led Climate Forum: Roundtable I — From
Commitments to Implementation: On the Road to COP31" within the
framework of the 4th Baku Climate Action Week (BCAW), Trend's correspondent
reports from the event.


He noted that the decisions made today will directly affect the
future of young people.


"We are negotiating climate agreements, defining policies, and
making investment decisions. Ultimately, you will inherit the world
that these decisions shape," Babayev pointed out.


According to him, in the near future, many of the young people
participating in the forum will make important decisions as
scientists, entrepreneurs, engineers, diplomats, politicians, and
business leaders.


Babayev also said that young people will face serious
challenges, from extreme weather events to pressure on water and
food resources, to rapidly changing energy systems.


"However, these changes also create new opportunities. New
technologies, new industries, and artificial intelligence are
changing the boundaries of what is possible. Some of the solutions
we will need can even be created by people sitting here today," he
added.


Furthermore, he noted that preparing young people for this
transition is particularly important.


"Climate action is already changing the skills, professions, and
opportunities of the future. We must ensure that education gives
young people the knowledge and practical skills they need, while at
the same time connecting them more closely to science, technology,
innovation, and real solutions," Babayev said.


According to him, young people should be able to benefit from
new jobs and opportunities emerging in clean energy, engineering,
finance, agriculture, and other areas.


"Young people should not only benefit from the climate
transition. They should have the knowledge and skills to contribute
to the implementation of this transition," he stressed.







Babayev recalled that engaging youth in climate processes was
also a priority during his presidency of COP29.


"We supported the involvement of youth in international climate
processes, increased attention to education, skills development,
and capacity building. We also worked with international partners
to ensure that the views of children and youth are better reflected
in climate action," he said.


The representative of the President of Azerbaijan on climate
issues also highly appreciated the relevant work of a Youth Climate
Champion for COP29, Leyla Hasanova.


He added that the participation of youth in the climate agenda
continues after COP29, including on the way to COP31.


The second day of the Fourth Climate Week (CW4) of the UN
Framework Convention on Climate Change is being held in Baku.


The main focus of the second day is on sustainable cities,
transport, water resources and agriculture.


Representatives of governments and international organizations,
experts, financial institutions, the private sector, and civil
society from various countries are attending the events.


Now in its third year, Baku Climate Action Week is being held in
parallel with the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC) Climate Week for the first time this year. The Fourth
Climate Week and Baku Climate Action Week will feature a series of
sessions, panel discussions and other events on climate change,
climate finance, sustainable development and accelerating climate
action.


Baku Climate Action Week (BCAW 2026) will continue until
September 11.