The World Green Economy Organization(WGEO) delivers an impact at COP29 held in the Republic of Azerbaijan, Baku, on its efforts towards the global green economy. It brought through remarkable achievements and developments regarding participation at the summit, key announcements, and contributions through high-level meetings and special sessions.
The pavilion, located at the Blue Zone, was opened by HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Chairman of WGEO. During the week-long event, it had 54 sessions with 206 global experts and speakers addressing important issues, innovative solutions, and the latest breakthroughs in the context of green economy, climate action, and sustainable development.
WGEO Director General Abdulrahim Sultan described COP29 as a crucial moment in the progress of sustainable development and the rapid acceleration of the global green transition. "COP29 played an instrumental role in strengthening global climate action efforts, emphasizing the pivotal role of international cooperation in achieving fair climate solutions in support of the SDGs, Paris Agreement, and the UAE Consensus", he said. Sultan further emphasized WGEO's efforts in developing an interactive platform of dialogue, cooperation, and progress in its events, workshops, and discussions for knowledge exchange and developing practical strategies toward a global green economy.
The summit was also the host to a High-Level Ministerial Panel by WGEO on the role of green transformation in climate action. It attended through ministers and senior officials from different countries such as Tawfiq Al Sharjbe of Yemen, Carolina Novac of Moldova, Gustav Aitaro of Palau, Dr Abdullah bin Ali Al-Omari of Oman, and Diann Black-Liayne of Antigua and Barbuda. The session stressed the need to blend sustainable practices into strategies for climate action and that regional perspectives drive global green initiatives.
Hosted the Second Quarterly Focal Points' Meeting of the Global Alliance on Green Economy (GAGE) where Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer announced an increase in GAGE's membership into 89 countries welcoming Oman, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Moldova. He also revealed WGEO's upcoming involvement as a Knowledge Partner in Oman Climate Week 2025 and the Global Water, Energy, and Climate Change Congress 2025, to be held in Bahrain. These events, scheduled for February 2025, will serve as key platforms for advancing global green economy initiatives.
One of the most significant COP29 achievements was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between WGEO and the Republic of Palau, which will contribute to the development of innovative solutions for decarbonization and the protection of natural resources and oceans. The MoU signed by HE Surangel Whipps Jr, President of Palau, and HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, outlined the framework for sustainable development in line with the global green transition.
In addition, WGEO and Abdallah Al Dardari, UN Assistant Secretary General and Director of the UNDP's Regional Bureau for Arab States signed a strategic partnership agreement which would facilitate cooperation in enhancing climate action and green transition, including mobilizing climate finance from both public and private sectors as well as implementing NDCs.
WGEO renewed its global commitment to climate adaptation by announcing support for 11 African cities under the Carbon Neutral Cities Initiative. This initiative was launched in the WGES in 2023 with a focus of supporting cities with climate change mitigation and resilience building through approaches like monitoring, target setting, and facilitating investments. Chefchaouen, Nouakchott, Cotonou, Ndiop, Brazzaville, Bangangté, Bangui, Blantyre, Quelimane, Homa Bay, and Jinja are the participating cities.
WGEO's pavilion featured 54 dialogue sessions and workshops over two weeks, covering key issues and solutions related to global climate action and the green economy. The specific day themes included leadership for the transition of the green economy, finance for sustainable development, clean energy, innovation, and urban development. Such exchange of knowledge and strategies accelerates the global transition toward a green economy.
The pavilion attracted significant attention from a diverse audience, including international figures, academics, green economy stakeholders, and media representatives, further demonstrating WGEO’s prominent role in advancing global sustainability goals.