From 11th to 13th October 2024, the UNFPA Azerbaijan Country Office organized a three-day camp titled "Girls For Climate Action" in the Lankaran region. Timed to coincide with the International Day of the Girl Child on 11th October, and supported by the COP29 Youth Climate Champion and local civil society organization Forest School Azerbaijan, the camp brought together 25 young girls from various regions of the country. The aim was to cultivate a deeper understanding of climate change through hands-on learning, leadership development, and outdoor activities.

Throughout the camp, participants engaged in workshops on topics such as "Climate Change and Gender", "The Role of Girls in Building Climate Resilience", and "Leadership in Climate Action".

The camp was joined by Ms. Mariam Khan, UNFPA’s Country Director for Azerbaijan, who was on a mission to the country, as well as Ms. Leyla Hasanova, the COP29 Youth Climate Champion. Together, they led a joint session focusing on the role of female leaders and role models in climate action.

“It is exciting that COP29 is happening in Azerbaijan, and it is critical that young people, especially young women and girls, are engaged in these conversations – so that they can understand and influence leadership decisions and investment in people’s well-being especially within the NDCs and National Action Plans to follow”, said Ms. Mariam A. Khan, underscoring the need for young voices in climate discussions.

“We want to see everyone actively participating in this year’s COP, with a special focus on placing children and youth at the center of discussions to ensure we leave them a greener and more sustainable future,” added Ms. Leyla Hasanova, emphasizing the importance of youth involvement at COP29.

This camp was part of the pre-COP29 activities implemented by UNFPA Azerbaijan.