Who are the Execs Leading the Charge at COP29?

COP29 is being dubbed the ‘finance COP’.

So why is money at the heart of a large-scale climate gathering?

The centrepiece of the negotiations is focused on adopting a new climate finance target as, for the first time in 15 years, countries will reevaluate the amount and type of finance developing countries receive to pay for climate action.

What is COP?

In case COP has completely passed you by, here’s a quick overview of what the conference is and what it hopes to achieve.

Officially named the Conference of Parties, COP is the world’s most pivotal climate conference. 

After the 28th instalment in Dubai last year, this November the world's leaders will descend on Baku, Azerbaijan to deliberate the future of the planet.

At COP29, key issues set to be brought forward include implementing the fossil fuel transition, scaling up climate finance and accelerating the shift to renewable energy. 

The success of COP29 will depend on translating commitments made at COP28 into actionable plans, particularly as countries prepare to submit more ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by 2025. 

Host country President-Designate Mukhtar Babayev aims to bridge divides between fossil fuel producers and climate advocates while emphasising private sector involvement in climate finance. 

Additionally, COP29 is expected to focus on adaptation strategies for vulnerable nations.

Ultimately, the conference represents a critical opportunity for decisive action against climate change, with its effectiveness measured by tangible steps towards a sustainable, low-carbon future.

Who is leading COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan?

Mukhtar Babayev, COP29 President-Designate

The aforementioned Mukhtar Babayev is COP29 President-Designate. No stranger to COPs, he has been Azerbaijan’s delegation lead for the last five years while the conference has been held in other nations.

Outside of COP, Mukhtar is Azerbaijan’s Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, putting him at the helm of the country’s national efforts to address historic ecological damage, improve the environment and drive climate-positive growth.

In the run up to COP and during proceedings, Mukhtar spearheads the development and implementation of the Presidency's Plan, uniting parties to ensure they honour previous commitments. 

His leadership is set to focus on fostering greater ambition to achieve the objectives of the Paris Climate Agreement. He will work to ensure that all parties are held accountable and motivated to meet their climate goals, ultimately striving for a sustainable future aligned with the 1.5°C target.

Yalchin Rafiyev, COP29 Lead Negotiator

With a career at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spanning almost two decades, Yalchin Rafiyev is also Deputy Foreign Minister.

As Lead Negotiator, Yalchin will work with the 198 Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This will ensure a shared vision of success is achieved and that the process to reach this is fair and transparent.

Elnur Soltanov, CEO of COP29

Elnur Soltanov, as COP29’s CEO, will coordinate the Presidency’s activities and the delivery of its agenda, alongside representing the Presidency at multilateral forums to advance climate action.

Azerbaijan’s Deputy Minister of Energy, Elnur has also served as Dean at the School of Public and International Affairs and Director of the Caspian Energy and Environment Center.

Narmin Jarchalova, Chair of COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company and COO for COP29

Having previously championed environmental initiatives at the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Narmin Jarchalova brings this experience with her to her role as COP29’s COO.

Her experience is both broad and vast, having held various roles within the Presidential Administration and acting as a project manager for the Azerbaijan pavilion at COP28. 

At COP29, she will ensure the effective and sustainable execution of the conference, facilitating a collaborative environment for global delegates to advance climate action.

Nigar Arpadarai, Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP29

Nigar Arpadaraiis a member of Azerbaijan’s National Assembly, serving on key committees. With a background in international law and experience representing Azerbaijan globally, at COP29 she will focus on enhancing climate action by engaging non-State actors to support parties in achieving climate goals. 

Alongside this, Nigar will also collaborate with the private sector to integrate sustainability into their operations, aiming to strengthen awareness, capacity and tools for more ambitious climate initiatives.

Leyla Hasanova, Youth Climate Champion for COP29

Representing younger populations and future generations of leaders, Leyla Hasanova serves as the Youth Climate Champion for COP29 Azerbaijan. 

As Chairperson of the Non-Aligned Movement Youth Organization, she brings experience from roles in youth leadership and diplomacy. 

At COP, Leyla is set to amplify youth voices in climate diplomacy and the COP process, collaborating with YOUNGO to empower young people and promote their participation in climate action. 

Her mission is to ensure youth perspectives are integrated into climate discussions and decision-making processes at COP29.

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