My First COP: Immersing in Baku’s Charm and Cultural Richness

Attending COP29 in Baku was an unforgettable milestone in my journey as a sustainability advocate. While the conference itself was packed with insightful sessions and transformative discussions, what truly enriched the experience was the vibrant city of Baku and its cultural treasures. From staying at the picturesque Hasanovs Villa with its lush pomegranate garden to exploring Baku’s bustling city center, every moment outside the conference halls added layers of inspiration and connection to the local spirit.

While the core purpose of my visit to Baku was my presentation – to present which, I was invited by the UNCC – Global Innovation Hub, that will be discussed in the next post. This post is a reflection on my personal experiences in Baku—moments that blended sustainability, tradition, and modernity.

Arriving in Baku: A City of Contrasts

Landing in Baku, I was immediately struck by the seamless blend of old and new. Known as the “City of Winds,” Baku sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, a fitting location for a global climate conference.

Driving from the airport to Hasanovs Villa, the architecture offered glimpses of the city’s duality—medieval walls of the Old City juxtaposed against the futuristic Flame Towers. It felt symbolic of the conversations happening at COP29, where the past and future intersected in the pursuit of sustainability.

The Hasanovs Villa: A Home in Nature

My stay at the Hasanovs Villa was nothing short of idyllic. Nestled away from the hustle of the city, the villa provided a serene escape after the intensity of COP discussions.

A Pomegranate Paradise

The villa had a pomegranate garden, a vibrant reminder of Baku’s cultural connection to this fruit. In Azerbaijan, pomegranates symbolize fertility and abundance, and they are deeply rooted in the local heritage. Walking through the garden each morning, I couldn’t help but feel grounded and inspired by nature’s simple beauty.

Comfort Amidst Charm

The villa was a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comfort. The warm hospitality of Mr. Rahbar and his family - the hosts, made it feel like home, and the quiet surroundings were ideal for reflecting on the day’s events at COP29. The co-habitants of the villa – guests from other parts of the world – became such good friends – at the dinner table and while travelling together and discussing our work.

Commutes to the Stadium: Scenic and Reflective

Traveling from Hasanovs Villa to the Baku Convention Center, where COP29 was held, was an adventure in itself. The drive offered a chance to soak in Baku’s landscapes—wide boulevards lined with trees, the shimmering Caspian Sea in the distance, and the eclectic mix of traditional and modern architecture.

The conversations with my driver often revolved around local history and culture. I learned how Baku’s energy-driven economy was evolving, much like the global discussions at COP29 about transitioning to renewable energy sources.

Exploring Baku’s City Center

In the evenings, I ventured into Baku’s city center, a lively hub of activity that showcased the city’s rich culture and modern aspirations.

The Old City (Icherisheher)

Walking through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old City, I felt transported back in time. The cobblestone streets, ancient mosques, and caravanserais painted a picture of Baku’s storied past.

• Maiden Tower: This iconic structure stood as a reminder of the city’s resilience and ingenuity.
• Local Artisans: I loved browsing stalls offering traditional carpets, ceramics, and souvenirs, each piece telling its own story.

Nizami Street: The Modern Pulse

In contrast, Nizami Street was a testament to modern Baku—a bustling avenue lined with high-end stores, local boutiques, and vibrant cafes. The mix of people—locals and international visitors—echoed the global spirit of COP29.

The Culinary Feast: A Taste of Azerbaijan

No trip to Baku would be complete without indulging in its rich culinary heritage. Food in Azerbaijan is a sensory experience, and the flavors linger in my memory long after the conference.

Pomegranate Wine

One of the highlights was tasting pomegranate wine, a specialty of the region. Its sweet yet tangy notes mirrored the essence of Azerbaijan—bold, unique, and unforgettable.

Local Dishes

From traditional plov (pilaf) to dolma (stuffed vine leaves), the meals were hearty and flavorful. Each dish was crafted with care, often accompanied by stories of its cultural significance. The local beer Xirdalan (its pronounced as Khir-da-lan) was superb!!

Azerbaijani Hospitality

What stood out most was the warmth of the people. At every meal, whether in a quaint local eatery or a fine-dining restaurant, I was greeted with genuine smiles and conversations about Azerbaijani traditions and their connection to the land.

Cultural Connections and Sustainability

Experiencing Baku’s culture gave me a deeper understanding of the importance of local context in global sustainability efforts.

1. Nature’s Bounty as an Inspiration The prominence of pomegranates in Azerbaijani culture reminded me of the interconnectedness of biodiversity and heritage. Sustainability isn’t just about reducing emissions; it’s also about preserving the cultural and natural ecosystems that communities rely on.
2. Blending Tradition with Modernity Much like Baku’s evolving skyline, sustainability solutions must honor traditional knowledge while embracing innovation.
3. Community Engagement Whether it was the hospitality at the villa or conversations in the city center, the sense of community in Baku was palpable. It reinforced the idea that climate action requires collective effort at both local and global levels.

Reflections on the COP29 Experience

As I sat in the quiet garden of Hasanovs Villa after long days at the conference, I found myself reflecting on the parallels between my surroundings and the discussions at COP29. The pomegranate trees, deeply rooted yet bearing fruit for the future, seemed like a metaphor for the balance we’re striving for in sustainability—honoring the past while cultivating the future.

Baku, with its rich culture and welcoming spirit, served as the perfect backdrop for my first COP experience. Beyond the technical sessions and policy debates, it was the city’s essence that left a lasting impression.

Takeaways for Fellow Travelers and Sustainability Advocates

1. Immerse Yourself in Local Culture Sustainability is deeply intertwined with local traditions and knowledge. Engaging with the community offers fresh perspectives and fosters mutual respect.
2. Reflect in Nature The quiet moments at Hasanovs Villa reminded me of the importance of connecting with nature to recharge and refocus.
3. Celebrate the Journey While the global climate challenge can feel overwhelming, it’s essential to celebrate the small wins—both in policy and personal growth.
4. Some tidbits for the Indian travellers to Baku

1. Fights are normally not full – infact we had one side of the row (3 continuous seats) – to each self – meaning we all slept like we do in a coach through the flight
2. The best exchange rates for USD to Azerbaijan Manat – can be found at the Baku airport and if you are lucky then in some cases in the city center exchanges.
3. Its best to convert limited dollars to Manat – because USD is as an acceptable currency – one will only lose money in transaction from USD --> Manat--> USD
4. The airport allows lighters in the carry on luggage – and they sell beautiful lighters in the city
5. Bolt is a very inexpensive travel app – only if the cars are available and you have put the right pick up point. Local cabs start quoting at 4-5 times the Bolt fares but agree to an amount nearly double the app fare. They don’t accept the app fare and believe that is too low and not correct. There are some good “Eco” options available at Bolt that one can use
6. Public transport is robust – with buses plying every few mins it is very convenient.

A Journey Worth Remembering

COP29 was more than just a conference for me—it was a journey of discovery, both professionally and personally. Baku, with its unique blend of history, modernity, and natural beauty, became an integral part of this experience.

As I look ahead to future COPs, I carry with me the lessons from Baku: the importance of grounding global action in local context, the power of community, and the need to approach sustainability with both urgency and hope.

For those considering attending a COP, I highly recommend immersing yourself not just in the conference but also in the host city’s culture and spirit. It adds a richness to the experience that no agenda or meeting can replicate.

Here’s to many more journeys—and meaningful climate action!

#COP29 #Baku #Sustainability #CulturalHeritage #ClimateAction #PomegranateWine