The Partner and Director of the International Communications and CSR Practice at Baikal Communications Group, Anastasia Tsvetkova, presented the company’s expertise at the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP 29), which took place from November 11 to 22 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

On the first day of the key climate event of the year, Anastasia Tsvetkova spoke at the opening session of the Russian Pavilion titled “Unified Dialogue for a ‘Green World’: Science, Experts, Business, Civil Society,” which focused on discussions of solidarity, collaboration, overcoming contradictions, the inclusiveness of the climate and environmental agenda, and the 2030 Agenda as a whole.

In her speech, Anastasia emphasized the experience of fostering international expert dialogue in the areas of water resource conservation, biodiversity, and climate initiatives. She shared practical insights into working with the World Water Council. For instance, the “Lake Baikal” Foundation, as the only Russian member of the Council, participated in the “Conservation and Restoration of Freshwater Ecosystems and Biodiversity” working group in preparation for the 10th World Water Forum, which took place this year in Bali under the theme “Water for Shared Prosperity.”

Additionally, Anastasia discussed possible formats for cooperation with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). She used her professional experience to explain how specialized experts were integrated into the development of several documents at this level, related to sustainable lake management and the creation of the 7th Global Environmental Outlook by UNEP.

Anastasia also highlighted that COP 29 was particularly significant for the “Lake Baikal” Foundation, as it marked the first time the organization from Russia became an official partner of the Water Pavilion. It is worth noting that the Foundation was established by Baikal Communications Group, which laid the foundation based on analytical approaches and values aimed at uniting the water community for the protection of water resources.

At the panel session “The Role of the Non-Governmental Sector in Climate Change Adaptation,” which also took place on the first day at the Russian Pavilion, Anastasia Tsvetkova presented the report “Sustainable Forest Restoration Practices at Baikal as a Climate Change Adaptation Measure” and discussed how non-governmental organizations can play an important role in piloting and scaling climate adaptation practices by bringing together business and expert communities and supporting the government in addressing strategic climate challenges. The “Lake Baikal” Foundation’s practices on forest conservation in the Baikal region and the integration of artificial intelligence for ecological monitoring of Lake Baikal and assessing the impact of climate change on its ecosystem have been repeatedly included in official statements and reports by Russia at the level of relevant ministries. Anastasia elaborated on the field experience in this area in her speech.

Finally, during the expert session at the CIS Business Center titled “Water for All: Prospects for Attracting Private Investments to Finance the Water Economy in the Context of Climate Change,” Anastasia Tsvetkova discussed the attention given to the conservation of water ecosystems at COP 28 and COP 29, the Freshwater Challenge initiative, and the “Water for Climate Action” declaration signed in Baku. The aim of the declaration is to more firmly integrate water-related issues into the global climate agenda. In her speech, she also touched on the challenges faced by water-focused non-profit projects around the world, emphasizing their focus on supporting local communities in ensuring access to clean water and sanitation.

Throughout the event, meetings were also held with colleagues from international companies, industry associations, and non-governmental organizations to discuss potential collaboration with Baikal Communications Group in the areas of regulatory analytics in ESG and GR support in national and supranational spaces for the implementation of climate initiatives.

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