The 29th Session of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP-29), Hosted by Azerbaijan, Showcases a Green Approach to the World. Over the course of two days, COP-29, hosted by Azerbaijan, demonstrated a truly green approach in every sense. The historic event brought together 72,000 guests from 196 countries, heads of state from 80 nations, over 3,000 media representatives, prominent figures from various fields, and the entire leadership of Azerbaijan, inscribing this moment in green letters. The exceptional coverage of this event by Azerbaijani media, alongside the facilitation of foreign media activities, created a stunning scene visible across the universe—an image that, with each passing hour, grew brighter, filling friends’ eyes with green and casting hypocrites’ eyes into darkness.
These sentiments were reflected in a statement issued by the Journalists’ Expert Center (JEM) regarding COP-29. The statement specifically highlighted the wise words of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev during the opening ceremony, which underscored not only that his country is a vital part of the world, but that it has risen to become a grand and influential global presence. Azerbaijan is looked up to, and here’s one example: countries under French colonial rule gathered in Baku to hold a protest, voicing their demand for freedom with the slogan, “We want to be free.”
First Vice-President’s Statement:
The First Vice-President said: “By taking on the responsibility of hosting COP29, Azerbaijan seeks to build bridges between the Global South and Global North, as well as between developed and developing countries. Our aim is to turn our contribution to this issue into a contribution to a shared future. However, instead of receiving support or engaging in constructive dialogue, we have often become the target of slander and smear campaigns in various Western media. These media outlets have turned into tools used to discredit independent countries that don’t follow predetermined scenarios, don’t play by imposed rules, pursue their own policies, and protect their national interests. Some major media platforms, influenced by specific countries, begin to spread negative stories about Azerbaijan on command. But what truly lies behind this? What objectives are the sponsors of such ugly campaigns pursuing? In fact, we know the answer.”
The statement reads: "The Azerbaijani President’s words, 'If certain Western politicians and media had called us an oil state before, it might have been understandable. But if they are still calling us an oil state today, it is unjust and only indicates a lack of political culture and knowledge,' have charted the roadmap for the coming century. Azerbaijan has transformed darkness into green. This transition is set to become the eternal path leading to the salvation of a universe affected by global climate change. Azerbaijan has the right to play the role of a savior. First, it buried the factor of occupation in darkness, then presented a peace agenda to the South Caucasus, and now, it’s the turn of the entire world. Naturally, dark forces will oppose the green forces. President Aliyev, addressing this point, remarked in his speech: 'Western fake news media, so-called independent NGOs, and certain politicians seem to compete in spreading disinformation and misinformation about our country. Accusing us for having oil is as absurd as blaming us for having over 250 sunny days in Baku each year.' As harsh as it may sound, this is an apt moment to recall our great poet Samad Vurgun's line, 'Foolish dogs bark at the stars.'"
The statement also highlights the downfall of those who failed to understand the essence of COP29 and attempted a “discrediting” campaign, clouded by prejudice.
It underscores that the most fitting response to such behavior came from Azerbaijan's First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva, whose insightful remarks during the “Youth at the Forefront of Climate Action” conference in the Green Zone offered a powerful message to all detractors. Mehriban Aliyeva concluded her speech with the statement: “Azerbaijan is a country that seeks productive action, real solutions, and fair cooperation—not manipulation and pressure.”
“Dear West, wrapped in lies, string the words of both our President and our esteemed First Vice-President like green pearls on a thread and hang it before your eyes as your most precious gift. Let this be a keepsake for YOU from COP-29.”
The statement also highlighted the clear contrast in professionalism between Azerbaijani media and Western-oriented media, which was evident at the COP29 conference. Our journalists serve journalism, while theirs serve populism. The President’s aide, Head of the Foreign Policy Department of the Presidential Administration, Hikmet Hajiyev, demonstrated in detail how media freedom is upheld, responding clearly to two journalists who asked questions unrelated to the event’s essence. The participation of a journalist, affiliated with an internet resource banned in our country and named in investigations related to illegal cash flow, in a prominent and grand conference like COP29, showcased the level of media freedom here. The President’s aide, who answered these journalists’ irrelevant questions thoroughly and calmly, even put Biden to shame with his response to an Israeli “Channel 13” journalist: "Are you sure you can protect yourself from the camera behind you hitting your head?”
On behalf of all its members, the Journalists' Expert Center (JEM) expressed gratitude to the Azerbaijani state, the organizers, and the journalists who broadcast the conference with great professionalism, for the excellent conditions created at the COP29 events for both local and foreign media without any discrimination.
Journalist Expert Center
