These initiatives are set to play a vital role in tackling climate change and promoting urban resilience . With its tourism declaration , the COP29 Presidency is focused on supporting the tourism sector , a key economic driver , in adopting sustainable practices to reduce its environmental impact .

This is the first time that the COP Presidency has organised a tourism-focused thematic day , whilst the MAP Declaration calls for cross-sector collaboration to create cities that are resilient and inclusive .

Together , these initiatives set the stage for global action towards a sustainable future . The commitments they represent are vital for shaping the path to COP30 and will play a crucial role in advancing urban climate strategies and solutions .

ACTION IN TOURISM

Launched in partnership with UN Tourism , the COP29 tourism initiative aims to drive climate action within the global tourism sector . A number of ministers and other high-level representatives participated in the First Ministerial Meeting on Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism , where the COP29 Presidency unveiled ambitious plans to align the sector with climate action goals .

Commenting on the launch of the COP29 Tourism Initiative , COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev said : “ The inclusion of tourism in the UN Climate Change COP29 Action Agenda for the first time , under the Presidency of Azerbaijan , represents a milestone for an important economic and environmental sector . Tourism is a major driver of economic growth and development , providing direct and indirect livelihoods for hundreds of millions of people .

“ However , the sector is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions , poses

pressures on ecosystems , and is itself highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change , including rising sea levels , biodiversity loss , and extreme weather events .

“ We are launching the COP29 Declaration on Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism , which urges us to think creatively and collaboratively about how to transform tourism into a climate-resilient , low-carbon sector that contributes not only to economic development but also to global sustainability .

“ At COP29 , it ’ s time to enhance ambition and enable action . We need to protect our natural heritage to create a sustainable future for tourism and the environment .”

As part of COP29 ’ s Tourism Day , the following objectives have been outlined :

• Policy change : Launching the Baku Declaration on Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism , as a call to action to explore the inclusion of national tourism administrations ’ contributions , as applicable , to developing and achieving the next set of Nationally Determined Contributions ( NDCs ) to the Paris Agreement and to enhance the integration of climate action in tourism policies .

• Sectoral engagement : Strengthening the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism as a voluntary commitment to support national climate goals , by increasing the number of national tourism administrations ( and national tourism organisations ) and tourism stakeholders making commitments to implement integrated climate mitigation and adaptation approaches .

• Continuity of the initiative within climate action : Establishment of a special coordination mechanism to ensure the continued engagement of tourism within the framework of UN Climate Change Conferences . Zurab Pololikashvili , secretary-general of the UN World

Tourism Organisation ( UN Tourism ), remarked : “ According to the latest scientific research available , tourism currently accounts for an estimated 8.8 per cent of global carbon emissions . We are committed to realising the sector ’ s remarkable potential to drive transformative change .

“ By prioritising innovation , decarbonisation and regeneration , we can make sure tourism plays a key role in global climate solutions . Beyond its role as an economic lifeline for communities and societies , tourism is uniquely positioned to be a powerful catalyst for sustainable , climate-resilient development .”

Fuad Naghiyev , Chairman of Azerbaijan ’ s State Tourism Agency added : “ We are delighted to see tourism form an integral part of COP29 ’ s Action Agenda and to be involved in the first ever dedicated thematic day on tourism in the history of COP .

“ Today marks the introduction of the COP29 Declaration on Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism , serving as a strategic framework for aligning the tourism sector with national and global climate agendas , including Nationally Determined Contributions ( NDCs ).

“ The formal acknowledgment of tourism ’ s critical role in combating climate change at COP29 will establish a lasting precedent for future COP deliberations . With over 50 countries endorsing the declaration to date , we anticipate continued growth in global support .”

RESILIENT AND HEALTHY CITIES

Launched in partnership with UN-Habitat , the MAP Declaration focuses on addressing the challenges of climate change in urban environments .

It calls for increased cross-sector engagement from local to global levels , with an emphasis on healthy cities , urban sustainable transport , climate resilience , green construction , agriculture and nature-based solutions in cities and urban climate finance .

A High-Level Opening on Multilevel and Multisectoral Climate Action meeting , followed

by four high-level roundtables , was held earlier today and focused on key commitments and actions to enhance urban resilience and healthy cities in the face of climate change .

Discussions centred on improving urban infrastructure , integrating climate action into city planning and fostering collaboration across governments , businesses and communities .

Commenting on the launch of the COP29 MAP Declaration , COP29 President remarked : “ Amid the urgent need to transform our cities into resilient , sustainable spaces , the COP29 Multisectoral Actions Pathway ( MAP ) Declaration serves as a catalyst for fostering cross-sector collaboration .

“ By uniting experts from transport , infrastructure , urban planning , and environmental conservation , we can drive meaningful change that protects not only urban environments but enhances the quality of life for all .”

Some of the highlights of the COP29 Presidency ’ s cross-sector , collaborative efforts on day ten to create cities that are resilient and inclusive include :

Launching the MAP Declaration for Resilient and Healthy Cities : A strategic framework guiding urban resilience and health cities , shaping future climate negotiations through COP30 .

Signing of the Baku Continuity Coalition on Urban , Multisectoral and Multilevel Climate Action : A partnership across COP presidencies — COP27 , COP28 , COP29 and COP30 — to ensure continuity in urban climate agendas and encourage future COP hosts to prioritise urban resilience .

Strengthening global event synergies : Emphasis on aligning future urban climate and urbanisation events , with Baku set to host the 2026 World Urban Forum and World Environment Day .

Recognising key partnerships : Highlighting initiatives like the Slovak Ministry of Environment and COP27 SURGe Initiative as models of advancing urban resilience through multilevel climate action .