UN Climate Change COP29 Thematic Day on Tourism

UN Climate Change COP29 Thematic Day on Tourism

20th November 2024, Baku, Azerbaijan

The inclusion of “Climate Action in 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 sector such as tourism. High-level meetings are scheduled to take place on 20th November 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The COP29’s Presidential Initiative on Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism has the objective to enhance the positioning of tourism climate action globally as a sectoral policy supporting national climate goals. The collaboration of the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan and UN Tourism, with support from UNEP, have been instrumental to this landmark achievement.

OBJECTIVES

Having recovered from the shock of the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism sector is taking enhanced responsibility for its social and environmental impacts, looking at sustainability as an interlinked element to competitiveness and resilience. Driving away from a business-as-usual scenario which could lead to tourism-related GHG emissions to increase at least by 25% by 2030 while accelerating adaptation efforts would be fundamental. At present 53% of UNFCCC Parties’ Nationally Determined Contributions recognize tourism as a vulnerable sector to the impacts of climate change.

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

  • Policy change: Launch of 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.
    Access the Baku Declaration (see Annex 9 on page 20).

  • 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 organizations) and tourism stakeholders making commitments to implement integrated climate mitigation and adaptation approaches.
    Become a signatory of the Glasgow Declaration.

  • Science-based approach: Positioning the UN Statistical Framework for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism (MST) as a tool to measure national tourism emissions, as it includes environmental data like greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy use as part of its essential pillars
    Find out more about the UN Statistical Framework MST.

  • Institutionalization:  Launch of a global coordination and partnership mechanism for enhanced climate action in tourism across the UN System and key stakeholders to ensure coherence, alignment and greater impact of initiatives.

Thematic Day on Tourism
20th November 2024

First Ministerial Meeting on Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism

09:00 – 11:00 (AZT)
Room: Meeting Room 20, Area D, Blue Zone

This meeting represents an opportunity for the tourism sector to showcase its critical role and advancements in addressing climate change, recognizing both its vulnerability to climate impacts and its potential to contribute to solutions, thus setting the stage for future collaboration, policy innovations and private sector engagement.

Ministers will discuss the alignment of tourism policies with climate change mitigation and adaptation measures to ensure that tourism development contributes to national and global climate goals while building resilience, in line with the COP29 Declaration on Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism.

The action framework proposed by the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism will be reflected upon, as well as the opportunity to advance the implementation of the UN Statistical Framework Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism (MST) and the need for finance and innovation to transition to Net Zero tourism operations.

Family Photo (by invitation)

Opening:

  • COP29 Presidency
  • UNFCCC Executive Secretary, Mr. Simon Stiell (tbc)
  • UNEP Executive Director, Ms. Inger Andersen
  • UN Tourism Secretary–General, Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili
  • H.E. Mr. Fuad Naghiyev, Chairman, State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Chaired by H.E. Mr. Fuad Naghiyev, Chairman, State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Preliminary confirmed list of Ministerial Participants and Key Stakeholders:

  • H.E. Mr. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, United Arab Emirates
  • H.E. Mr. Celso Sabino, Minister of Tourism, Federative Republic of Brazil
  • HRH Princess Dana Firas, President, Petra National Trust, Special Envoy for the Climate Heritage Network, and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Cultural Heritage, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
  • H.E. Mr. Sergey Kovalchuk, Minister of Sports and Tourism, Republic of Belarus
  • H.E. Ms. Maria Susana Muhamad González, Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, Republic of Colombia
  • H.E. Mr. Franz Tattenbach, Minister of Environment and Energy, Republic of Costa Rica
  • H.E. Mr. Petr Kulhánek, Minister of Regional Development, Czech Republic
  • H.E. Mr. Reza Salehi Amiri, Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, Islamic Republic of Iran
  • H.E. Mr. Yerbol Myrzabossynov, Minister of Tourism and Sport, Republic of Kazakhstan
  • H.E. Ms. Rebecca Miano, Minister of Tourism and Wildlife, Republic of Kenya
  • H.E. Mr. Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Malaysia
  • H.E. Mr. Thoriq Ibrahim, Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, Republic of Maldives
  • H.E. Ms. Simonida Kordić, Minister of Tourism, Montenegro
  • H.E. Mr. Zoran Ljutkov, Minister of Culture and Tourism, Republic of North Macedonia
  • H.E. Mr. Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism, State of Qatar
  • H.E. Mr. Husein Memić, Minister of Tourism and Youth, Republic of Serbia
  • H.E. Mr. Aziz Abdukhakimov, Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change, Republic of Uzbekistan
  • H.E. Ms. Barbara Rwodzi, Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Republic of Zimbabwe
  • Mr. Ageel Alshaibani, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Tourism, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
  • Mr. Dunstan Kitandula, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, United Republic of Tanzania
  • Mr. Nadir Alpaslan, Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism, Republic of Türkiye
  • Mr. Andreï Christol, State Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Republic of Moldova
  • Ms. Lídia Bulcão Dutra, Secretary of State, Ministry of Economy, Portuguese Republic
  • Dr. Amina Al Balushi Abdullah, Advisor for Research and Studies, Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman
  • Ms. Masruroh, Senior Advisor to the Minister in Business Development, Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Indonesia
  • Mr. Maksat Usubaliev, Director of the Department of Tourism under the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, Kyrgyz Republic
  • Mr. Prabashini Manjula Alwis Weerakkody, Director, Domestic Tourism and Community Relations Department, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
  • Ms. Chilala Mayanda Habasimbi, Assistant Director for Tourism Development, Ministry of Tourism, Republic of Zambia
  • Mr. Muhiddin Yoqubzoda, First Secretary, Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan to the Republic of Azerbaijan
  • Ms. Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General and CEO, Caribbean Tourism Organization
  • Mr. Christopher Cocker, CEO, Pacific Tourism Organization
  • Ms. Julia Simpson, President and CEO, World Travel and Tourism Council
  • Mr. Young Tae Kim, Secretary – General, International Transport Forum, OECD
  • Mr. Glenn Mandziuk, CEO, World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance

Moderators for country interventions: Ms. Zoritsa Urosevic, Executive Director, UN Tourism and Mr. Kanan Gasimov, Head of Administration, State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Launch of COP29 Declaration on Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism and Closing Remarks:

  • H.E. Mr. Fuad Naghiyev, Chairman, State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan
  • UN Tourism Secretary – General, Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili

High-level Roundtable 1: Raising the Climate Ambition of the Tourism Sector – from commitments to implementation (measurement and decarbonization)

11:30 – 13:00 (AZT)
Room: Side Event Room 4, Area B, Blue Zone

In line with the measurement and decarbonization pathways proposed by the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, this session will explore the importance and complexity of measurement and decarbonization strategies in tourism. As the global tourism sector strives to reduce its GHG emissions, key stakeholders will highlight the progress made in implementing effective decarbonization pathways. Academia, policymakers and private sector representatives will showcase methodologies and tools for measuring GHG emissions.

Opening:

  • Mr. Kanan Gasimov, Head of Administration, State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan
  • Ms. Zoritsa Urosevic, Executive Director, UN Tourism

Keynote:

The UN Statistical Framework Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism: a harmonized methodology to measure energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from the tourism sector.

  • Ms. Zoritsa Urosevic, Executive Director, UN Tourism

Progress Update Glasgow Declaration:

Key takeaways from the Implementation Report 2024 of the Glasgow Declaration: Measurement and Decarbonization pathways

  • Ms. Virginia Fernández-Trapa, Programme Coordinator, Sustainable Tourism and Resilience, UN Tourism

Panel discussion:

Moderator: Professor Xavier Font, University of Surrey

  • Ms. Liisa Kokkarinen, Head of Sustainable Development, Visit Finland
  • Dr. Ya-Yen Sun, Associate Professor, University of Queensland Business School
  • Mr. Matt Callaghan, Chief Operating Officer, easyJet holidays
  • Ms. Virginia Messina, Senior Vice President, Advocacy & Communications, World Travel and Tourism Council
  • Ms. Sally Davey, CEO, Travalyst
  • Ms. Inge Huijbrechts, Chief Sustainability and Security Officer, Radisson
  • Mr. Randy Durband, CEO, Global Sustainable Tourism Council

High Level Roundtable 2: Raising the Climate Ambition of the Tourism Sector – from commitments to implementation (regeneration/adaptation and finance)

14:00 – 15:30 (AZT)
"Earth" Conference Room, Green Zone

In line with the regeneration and finance pathways proposed by the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, this session will delve into the intersection of regeneration/adaptation efforts and innovative financing models. With a focus on how tourism can actively contribute to climate resilience and ecosystem regeneration, this event will highlight successful interventions from tourism stakeholders. Academia, policymakers and private sector representatives will center on the need for tourism to engage more deeply in sustainable food systems, biodiversity conservation, and nature-positive initiatives, as well as on the vital role of financing to scale up climate action

Opening:

  • Mr. Kanan Gasimov, Head of Administration, State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan
  • Ms. Zoritsa Urosevic, Executive Director, UN Tourism

Keynote:

Climate Finance Innovation for Tourism Economies

  • Professor Dr. Nazia M Habib, Founder and Director, Centre for Resilience and Sustainable Development, University of Cambridge

Progress Update Glasgow Declaration:

Key takeaways from the Implementation Report 2024 of the Glasgow Declaration: Regeneration and Finance pathways

  • Ms. Virginia Fernández-Trapa, Programme Coordinator, Sustainable Tourism and Resilience, UN Tourism

Panel discussion:

Moderator: Dr Willy Legrand, Professor, IU International University of Applied Sciences, Germany

  • Ms. Chompan Kulnides, Chief Sustainability Officer, Minor Hotels
  • Mr. Thomas Mills, Senior Climate Expert, Booking Holdings
  • Mr. Jeremy Sampson, CEO, The Travel Foundation
  • Dr. Anne Kathrin Zschieger, Executive Director, The Long Run
  • Mr. Rusmir Musić, Operations Officer – Global Cooling Lead, Climate Business Department, International Finance Corporation
  • Mr. Dominique Perron, EMEIA International Development Leader, Ernst & Young

Featured Presentation: Drivers of Tourism Emissions, Scientific Research on GHG emissions from Tourism Operations

15:35 – 15:50 (AZT)
Location TBD, Green Zone

Dr. Ya-Yen Sun, Associate Professor, University of Queensland Business School

High Level Roundtable 3: Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism: Innovative Solutions and Way Forward

16:00 – 17:00 (AZT)
"Earth" Conference Room, Green Zone

This closing panel will synthesize insights from earlier discussions, focusing on practical and innovative solutions that can accelerate the tourism sector's climate action. Building on the policy alignment and commitments shared during the Ministerial Meeting and the strategic pathways explored in the High-Level Roundtables on measurement, decarbonization, regeneration, and finance, this session aims to forge a collective vision for the future of climate-conscious tourism. Panelists will outline transformative actions to propel tourism's climate ambition from commitments to impactful outcomes, discussing synergies across sectors and tools to enhance collaboration, scale finance, and deploy regenerative and adaptive practices at pace and scale. This panel will set the stage for a coordinated approach, fostering resilience and low-carbon tourism development worldwide.

Panel discussion:

Moderator: Ms. Virginia Fernández-Trapa, Programme Coordinator, Sustainable Tourism and Resilience, UN Tourism

  • Ms. Katherine L. Johansen, Chief Advisor, Centre for Regional and Tourism Research, Denmark
  • Ms. Erika Harms, Global Sustainability Director, Iberostar Confirmed
  • Ms. Shannon Guihan, Chief Sustainability Officer, The Travel Corporation
  • Ms. Amy Lewis, Climate Change Operations Senior Specialist, Inter-American Development Bank

Closing:

  • Mr. Kanan Gasimov, Chief of Cabinet, State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan
  • Ms. Zoritsa Urosevic, Executive Director, UN Tourism (tbc)