Leyla Aliyeva participated in a high-level climate dialogue in London

A high-level climate dialogue on "Sea level fluctuations and uneven consequences: the experience of the Caspian Sea and Small Island Developing States (SIDS)" was held at the historic Marlborough House in London.

As reported by BAKU.WS, the event, co-organized with the Commonwealth of Nations, which unites 56 countries, was attended by representatives of the diplomatic corps in London, including the Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps, representatives of the UK Foreign Office and other government agencies, small island states, climate organizations and media, Commonwealth Secretariat staff, young leaders and other guests.

Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, founder and head of the IDEA Public Association Leyla Aliyeva, speaking at the event, drew attention to the problem of declining Caspian Sea levels. She noted that over the past 30 years, the world's largest lakes have suffered water loss and plastic waste pollution, which further exacerbates the situation. Recalling the successful hosting of COP29 in Azerbaijan, she emphasized the importance of implementing practical steps on the way to COP30, not just ideas. Leyla Aliyeva also spoke about the activities of the IDEA Public Association she heads in the field of nature conservation and youth engagement in this process. At the end of her speech, Leyla Aliyeva noted that attitude toward nature is an indicator of attitude toward humanity, and not neglecting the Caspian gives hope for its viable future.

COP29 Chairman, Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on climate issues Mukhtar Babayev in his speech called on the international community to show solidarity regarding the Caspian Sea, similar to how it is done for the Amazon and other tropical forests, and reported that for this purpose, Azerbaijan, together with the UN Environment Programme, is working on an Action Plan against the decline of the Caspian Sea level, covering 2025-2035. He recalled that at the initiative of President Ilham Aliyev, the Caspian states adopted a joint declaration at COP29 and cooperation in this direction has strengthened.

The Chairman emphasized the important role that the IDEA campaign plays in protecting the biodiversity of the Caspian Sea. He also noted that Azerbaijan stands in solidarity with small island states suffering from climate change and supports sustainable development and adaptation projects in these countries. In conclusion, Mukhtar Babayev noted that fulfilling the promises made at COP29 and increasing funding for climate change measures are important for restoring international trust, and Azerbaijan will continue to play an active role in global climate solidarity.

Deputy Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations Arjoon Suddhoo spoke about the negative impact of climate change on most member countries of the organization. He highly appreciated the fact that Azerbaijan, as the chair country of COP29, pays special attention to the problems of small island states and is taking concrete steps to address them. In this regard, he drew attention to the cooperation project aimed at promoting climate change action in small island Commonwealth member states, based on the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the COP29 Presidency and the Commonwealth of Nations in 2024.

In his speech, UK Foreign Office Special Envoy for Small Island States Tim Hemmings touched upon the achievements of last year's COP29 conference and noted that, given the scale of problems caused by sea level fluctuations, the British Foreign Office has implemented a number of projects to support addressing issues in this direction. He called it commendable that the COP29 Presidency organized an event on this topic in London together with the Commonwealth of Nations.

Co-founder and Executive Director of Whale Guardians Michael Fishbach drew attention to the biodiversity of the Caspian Sea and noted that the decline in its level is a harbinger of larger processes that may occur in the World Ocean. In this regard, he emphasized the importance of taking urgent measures to protect the Caspian.

Fishbach highly appreciated the leadership shown by Azerbaijan under the direction of the country's President at the COP29 conference and its plans in the field of green energy. In concluding his speech, he stated that his goal is to protect not only whales and other marine inhabitants but also marine ecosystems such as the Caspian Sea, and contribute to their revival.

Speaking at the event, ambassadors of small island states in London, such as the Bahamas, Maldives, Antigua and Barbuda, stated that rising sea levels pose a direct threat to the existence of these countries and thanked the COP29 Presidency for drawing attention to such a pressing issue.

The event also featured an exhibition about Azerbaijan's nature. The event concluded with a tour of the exhibition and an