Welcoming the ninth UN Climate Change High-Level Champion
By Climate Champions | February 20, 2024
H.E. Razan Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, welcomes the new Champion for COP29, H.E. Ms. Nigar Arpadarai, from Azerbaijan. COP29, the UN Climate Change Summit in 2024, will take place in Baku this November.
The High-Level Champion is a key position in the UN Climate Change multilateral process, created at COP21 in Paris, connecting the work of national governments with the many voluntary and collaborative actions taken by non-State actors from cities, regions, businesses, investors and civil society. UN Climate Change High-Level Champions serve a two-year term.
Under the leadership of the Champions, the Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action works with them to strengthen collaboration between countries and key real economy stakeholders to take urgent action to lower emissions and increase resilience against climate impacts.
Ms. Arpadarai is an independent Member of Parliament for Azerbaijan, representing one of the central constituencies of Baku city since 2020. She was elected to parliament after 15 years of professional experience in international organizations, sports and telecommunications.
Prior to becoming a Member of Parliament, Ms. Arpadarai was the Director of the Marketing and Communications Department and the official spokesperson of the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix since its inception in 2016. She holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in law and international relations from Baku State University.
Last December, COP28 delivered the UAE Consensus – a global commitment to transition away from fossil fuels, triple renewable energy and double the rate of annual energy-efficiency improvements by 2030. There were also new commitments to reduce methane emissions, conserve and restore nature and scale-up support in order to limit warming to 1.5°C and strengthen resilience.
The UAE Consensus set a clear path for governments and the real economy to activate around these goals ensuring the whole of society has agency in the process including Indigenous People, women, finance, business, cities and states, youth and civil society.
Welcoming the new High-Level Champion, Ms. Al-Mubarak said: “I would like to congratulate Ms Arpadarai on her appointment as the ninth UN Climate Change High-Level Champion. I am looking forward to us working together. The accelerating momentum of real economy climate action serves as a beacon of hope for our society’s transformative journey. Businesses, investors, cities and regions, and communities worldwide are delivering action on the ground to make our lives and livelihoods greener, more prosperous, and more resilient.”
The two Champions will work together to advance the improved Marrakech Partnership five-year plan to drive greater ambition from non-State actors to achieve a net zero, climate-resilient future.
