As a representative from Azerbaijan, the host country of the globally significant COP29, and with only a few days remaining, it was indeed a profound honour to participate in the Environmental Negotiations Seminar. This was my second opportunity to attend in a seminar organised by Diplomacy by Networking and the Federal Foreign Office. Although the seminar was conducted online, I did not notice any substantial differences compared with an in-person format, as it was exceptionally well-organised and addressed numerous environmental global issues. Furthermore, it provided an opportunity for all 25 participants, coming together from 15 countries, to pose questions and engage in constructive discussion.
All the speakers from diverse backgrounds shared their different viewpoints, highlighting many pressing issues, particularly those deriving from the research working groups. These discussions encompassed themes such as green energy zones and renewable energy resources, as well as ocean conservation and the management of marine resources, focusing particularly on the financial dimensions of climate conferences. Within this context, I was able to present detailed information regarding Azerbaijan’s ongoing 14 climate-based initiatives and the climate finance action fund.

From the other presentations I was able to glean a wealth of practical knowledge, which had a favourable impact on my working portfolio, within the COP29 framework and beyond.
Moreover, we had a chance to engage in e-breakout rooms, which provided a comprehensive platform for the exchange of information amongst participants. We were delighted to be a part of fruitful discussions concerning NDCs with regard to the UN 2030 Agenda, addressing climate-related challenges specific to various nations, exploring their national perspectives and sustainable solutions, and upcoming environmental events. Ultimately, I discovered that we will have the privilege of meeting three of the participants in Baku in early November.

However, the most remarkable moment for me during the seminar was holding a one-minute silence, proposed by H.E. Anna Prinz, in honour of the lives lost due to the devastating floods in Spain. Once again we hereby experienced the German outlook towards other nations: every individual is treated with the utmost respect and compassion. Most notably, I wish to reiterate the statement made by H.E. Anna Prinz: „…if you have a German friend, you are fortunate because they will not abandon you…“ which sums up this profound meaning completely. As an Azerbaijani alumnus, I therefore also consider myself among those fortunate individuals who have long-lasting German friendships.
To sum up, I would like to express my deep gratitude to the Programme Director and your esteemed team for the pivotal role you have undertaken amid so many challenges in this field in establishing such expansive networking opportunities for the alumni. I am genuinely looking forward to meeting you again in forthcoming seminars.

Tajira Mahmudova