Azerbaijani universities are hosting a global higher education event to tackle the climate crisis in September ahead of the country hosting COP 29 in November.
Times Higher Education¡¯s (THE) will bring together university leaders, policymakers and senior members of governmental and non-governmental organisations to assess how climate change is shaping individuals¡¯ lives.
The event on Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12 September will discuss the impact of climate on current and future generations, who will bear the brunt of the environmental crisis, and is being hosted in partnership with the Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University and Sumgayit State University.
The event¡¯s keynotes include:??
- Ulkar Sattarova, Director, State Agency for Science and Higher Education?
- Vazeh Asgarov, Rector, Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University?
- Rufat Azizov, Rector, Sumgayit State University?
- Bakhtiyar Aslanbeyli, Vice President Caspian Region,?BP Azerbaijan?
- Nargiz Hajiyeva, Country director, British Council Azerbaijan?
- Samir Mammadov, Country representative, Azerbaijan, United Nations Global Compact?
- Fariz Ismailzade, Vice-rector, ADA University?
More than 15 speakers including leading academics and senior figures from international governmental organisations are confirmed for the event taking place at Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Through diverse panel discussions attendees will directly address the challenges and opportunities of the climate crisis in post-oil countries and why current climate actions are not working.
Delegates will receive first-hand knowledge from leading voices in the sector on how to bolster their research outcomes and institutional efforts to tackle climate change and there will be plenty of networking opportunities including a campus and Baku city tour.
Vazeh Asgarov, the acting rector from Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University, said: ¡°I am proud to co-host this important event, which stands as a testament to the power of international collaboration in tackling the global challenge of climate change. ASOIU has been a leader in the energy sector for a century. Today, as our nation embarks on a journey towards renewable energy and sustainable development, we are dedicated to equipping the next generation with the skills and knowledge needed to drive this transition. Research and scientific inquiry are crucial for developing the technologies and strategies necessary to address climate change effectively.??
¡°The climate crisis demands a unified response, and Azerbaijan's ongoing transition offers a valuable case study for the world. This forum provides a platform to share experiences, learn from experts, and collaborate on innovative solutions to accelerate the shift towards a greener, more resilient future. ASOIU is honored to participate in this collaborative effort, contributing to the global dialogue and sharing our lessons. Together, we can pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future. Let us use this forum as a catalyst for action and forge new partnerships.¡±?
Rufat Azizov, the rector of Sumgayit State University, said: ¡°We are honoured to co-host this significant event, which emphasizes the crucial role that higher education institutions play in combating the climate crisis the world is currently facing.??
¡°At Sumgayit State University, we are committed to integrating climate action into our strategies and curricula, fostering relevant research and innovation, and preparing our students to be leaders of a sustainable future. This forum will be a great opportunity for sharing knowledge and building meaningful connections to develop effective solutions addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time.¡±
The programme will focus on how universities must play a pivotal role in making climate action a core institutional objective, which will be supported by co-partners Ministry of Science and Education Republic of Azerbaijan and State Agency for Science and Higher Education.
The agenda covers:?
- The importance of the UN¡¯s Sustainable Development Goal 13 - climate action - and universities¡¯ role in supporting this?
- How university research can put climate action at the core of their strategies?
- Universities¡¯ ability to bring together key stakeholders to address the climate crisis?
- How students can support the greenifying of industry and jobs?
- Universities¡¯ support for under-represented groups to fight against climate change?
Charlotte Coles, director of global events, THE, said: ¡°¡®Universities must remain at the forefront of efforts to combat climate change through ground-breaking research and innovation, training the changemakers of tomorrow and collaborating with wider society to accelerate the transition to a zero-carbon-future.
¡°This essential forum will be a platform to challenge the usual thinking on what higher education, governments and business can do help tackle the immediate and long-term ramifications of the climate emergency and we are delighted to be welcoming senior leaders to support the sector in forging a greener, fairer world.¡¯¡¯
More information about the event is available and early bird tickets for delegates representing a university, association, public sector or NGO are US$149 until 16 August. Subsequently they will cost US$199. Tickets for delegates representing a corporate organisation are US$249. Tickets are available .?
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