From Baku: Key Takeaways from the First Week at COP29

Hello from Baku!

The first week of #COP29 went by so quickly! After a few days of conferences, meetings, workshops and roundtables, I‘m here to tell you a little more about how things have been so far.?

During these days, I have had the opportunity to attend the daily Business Industries and NGO (BINGO) Briefing at the ICC Pavilion, where we are discussing the main highlights of the negotiations and understanding how they will continue in the next week of negotiations. It is interesting to see first-hand what the challenges and barriers are during the negotiations.

In addition to a lot of networking, I was able to represent SMEs in important discussions about our role in the green transition and the importance of green funds being more accessible to SMEs. Together with the ITC, we are bringing attention to the important role of SMEs in developing sustainable solutions, so that we can be recognized and included in the just transition.

On Sunday we had a day off from COP29, but we didn't stop working! I had the opportunity to attend the World Climate Summit, which brought together the main private sector players who came to Baku. This was the moment to establish new business relationships and to learn how large organizations are coming together to take major action against climate change.

We still have a lot of COPs ahead of us and we have 4 more days to continue our participation!?

Before I finish reporting on these first few days, I would like to extend an invitation to everyone who is also here at COP. On the 21st, I will be giving a presentation on the importance of investing in Biodiversity-focused Technologies in the fight against #climatechange. I will be waiting for you at the ITC Pavilion.

Fernando is also part of a programme ITC conducts in collaboration with G20 GLI.