MP Nigar Arpadarai calls for greater business involvement in climate action

Businesses should be involved in the process when governments make commitments to reduce emissions, said Nigar Arpadarai, COP29 High-Level Climate Champion and member of Azerbaijan's Milli Majlis, at a roundtable held as part of Baku Climate Action Week (BCAW 2026), Report informs.

"Whenever I meet business representatives from different parts of the world, they all want to be involved and participate in this process. They suggest that governments consult them when making these commitments," she said.

Arpadarai stressed that it is essential for the private sector to understand the importance of climate change and the environmental footprint created by production activities.

"The reason we invite you to the table is that COP has become an annual event where negotiators agree on global decisions, but at the end of the day, these decisions and commitments are implemented by you and the community, while civil society monitors this process," she said.

According to Arpadarai, private sector representatives and businesses around the world face similar challenges, have similar opportunities and ask governments similar questions.

"If we talk about the private sector's response to climate change and sustainability becoming part of their strategies, that is our goal. We are here to listen to you and hear how you see this process. It is extremely important for us to know your perspective on this issue. Do you see sustainability as part of your strategy, or is sustainability a burden for you? That is the question I want to ask," she added.