By Aliu Akoshile
The Azerbaijan Operating Company responsible for organising COP29 has rolled out unprecedented initiatives at the Baku Stadium, venue of the global climate conference, to foster inclusion and promote accessibility for all participants.
“One of the seven core commitments of the COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company’s sustainability policy is to ensure inclusivity and accessibility, which is a top priority in organising this year’s conference”, says the company on its official platform.
The company says, for the first time in COP history, it will provide sign language interpretation services at the Plenary Hall, adding that the Baku Stadium will also have an audio induction system for individuals with hearing and speech impairments.
“Sign language interpreters will be on hand to facilitate accessibility during sessions and panel discussions,” it emphasised.
According to the company, the design of the event venue has been thoughtfully crafted to include designated zones and rooms with contrast colours for individuals with visual impairments.
The operating company also disclosed that individuals with vision challenges will have access to coloured door signs, information boards, venue maps, and a range of brochures produced in Braille to help them navigate the venue with ease.
It says the majority of the inclusion materials, such as sunflower symbol ribbons for individuals with invisible disabilities and Braille-designed venue map, have been developed by individuals with visual impairments residing in Azerbaijan.
Other historic services being introduced at the COP29 venue include wheelchair maintenance service, featuring check-ups and technical support, as well as a charging station for electric wheelchairs and spare wheelchairs.
The company says it has made provisions to facilitate the movement of individuals with physical disabilities throughout the venue, and appropriate ramps and lifts will be installed, along with designated parking spaces, accessible restrooms, and quiet rooms.
Azerbaijan operating company says it will enhance access to the event venue by creating the “green crossing” zones at Pedestrian Screening Areas (PSAs), adding that tactile maps will be installed at the entrances to the Blue and Green Zones, making another first in COP event history.
It says its accessibility and inclusivity will extend to accommodation and transportation services, and that participants will receive a detailed list of accessible lodging options, along with various transport alternatives to ensure seamless travel to and from Baku Stadium.
The Azerbaijan Operating Company expressed determination to offer support to individuals with physical disabilities attending the event and foster an inclusive environment, adding that targeted training sessions will be organised for its staff, COP29 volunteers, and personnel from various service sectors.
During these training sessions, it says its employees and volunteers will develop the essential skills needed to assist all participants..
Meanwhile, the number of registered participants for the COP29 has surpassed 32,000 as of the weekend.
The company noted that considering the tendency for most delegations to register closer to the conference date, a further increase in registration numbers is expected in the coming weeks as the process moves forward.
The 29th Conference of Parties (COP29) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11-22.
Since it debuted in Germany in 1993, the COP has become a global platform for shaping international climate policy and launching advocacy for faithful implementation of climate actions in line with SDG 13.
Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is poised to welcome thousands of representatives from numerous countries around the world for the 10-day global summit.