Peace Boat US is participating in the United Nations Climate Change Conference, the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP 29), in Baku, Azerbaijan this November 11-22, working in solidarity with those on the front lines of the climate crisis. World leaders will come together to negotiate and advocate for climate action. Peace Boat US will organize, along with several civil society groups and international partners, a number of side-events advocating for urgent climate action with a focus on youth engagement and capacity building.
Please see our events schedule below. To our partners who are also able to attend the Conference – we hope you can join us!
* All event times are local to Baku, Azerbaijan.
Decarbonising Maritime
Hub Culture Space: The Landmark Tower, 90 A Nizami, Baku
Saturday, November 16
10:00 – 11:00 AM
https://hubculture.com/hubs/1/events/597/
The OCF will be convening with a series of conversations, bilateral meetings and small roundtable discussions on sustainable solutions for ocean related challenges with a network of community partners, anchored by curated conversations with ocean leaders. Two panel conversations will take place on the decarbonisation of maritime transport and renewable energy with Peace Boat.
A Renewable Energy Future: Empowering Citizens, Strengthening Capacity Building and Cooperation
Side Event Room 9
Saturday, November 16
15:00-16:30
Highlighting partnerships and cooperation across sectors, the event will illustrate the contribution of renewable energy and solar power to climate mitigation with diverse examples from community projects, government-led initiatives and decarbonization of the maritime industry. Peace Boat’s Founder and Director Yoshioka Tatsuya will be showcasing the Ecoship Project.
A COP of Peace: Addressing Militarism for Climate Justice in the Pacific
Moana Blue Pavilion
Saturday, November 16
16:00-16:50
Military emissions account for an estimated 5.5% of global emissions, but military emissions are not required to be included in NDCs. impacting transparency. In 2023, global military spending reached $2.44 trillion, with the increase in military spending alone at double the $100 billion climate finance goal. Reallocating resources from military spending would allow financial obligations for Loss and Damage to be fulfilled. The Pacific, which has long suffered from the impacts of militarism and the nuclear legacy, continues to endure these effects today, which are closely linked to the climate crisis. The side event will explore the intersections between peace, demilitarization, and climate justice from a Pacific perspective.
Press Conference: COP of Peace – Demilitarize for Climate Justice
Press Conference 2, Area C
Saturday, November 16
17:30 – 18:00
As part of the Peace and Demilitarization Working Group, Peace Boat will organize a press conference on the intersections between peace and climate justice. COP29 has been named the “COP of Peace,” with the host calling for a truce among nations and urging them to “transcend political challenges.” But can a “COP of peace” be achieved without addressing militarism’s impact on the climate? Global militaries contribute around 5.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, making them the hypothetical “fourth largest emitter,” yet they remain exempt from climate agreements. With military spending at a record $2.44 trillion USD and climate finance still underfunded, this session will call for reallocating military budgets to support a just climate transition. Experts and frontline voices will highlight the link between militarism and climate, showing why accountability for military emissions and prioritizing peace are essential to climate justice.
Yoshioka Tatsuya: Ships as a Container for Change
Extreme Hangout – Green Zone
Sunday, November 17
10:00 – 10:30
www.extremehangoutcop29.com/sessions/07-02
Join us at the Extreme Hangout for an insightful interview with Peace Boat’s Founder Yoshioka Tatsuya He will introduce the nature-inspired vessel of Peace Boat with a focus on decarbonization of the maritime industry, working towards a zero-emission ship of the future and sustainable tourism through educational voyages for the SDGs and climate action.
Empowering Youth Voices for Ocean and Climate Action
Ocean Pavilion
Monday, November 18
10:30-11:30 AM
In the face of accelerating climate change, youth emerge as powerful catalysts for innovative solutions and transformative action. This event will explore the dynamic role of young people in advancing ocean conservation and climate resilience. By showcasing cutting-edge youth-centered initiatives, discussing forward-thinking policy advocacy strategies, and identifying capacity-building opportunities, this session aims to inspire and equip the generation of environmental leaders.
Youth Leadership and Expert Perspectives on the Future of Coral Reefs
COP29 Blue Zone, US Center Pavilion
Monday, November 18
3:30-4:15 PM
This event at the U.S. Center Pavilion will explore the urgent need to protect coral reefs through the lens of young leadership in ocean policy. Featuring a panel of emerging youth leaders and coral experts, the discussion will highlight the latest scientific insights, the role of youth in policy advocacy, and collaborative strategies for addressing the global coral crisis. Peace Boat US “Youth for the SDGs” scholar and Blue Planet Alliance Global Ambassador, Reene Smith from Grenada will join as a speaker for this event. Reene is an experienced environmental and marine conservation professional with a strong dedication to sustainability and climate resilience. She currently works with Grenada’s Ministry of Climate Resilience, the Environment and Renewable Energy, where she supports sustainability goals, natural resource protection, and climate change initiatives.
Press Conference – Youth Engagement and Empowerment: Action for the UN Ocean Decade
Press Conference 2 Area C
Tuesday, November 19
10:30-11:00 AM
Join Peace Boat for our Press Conference where we will discuss youth engagement and empowerment for the UN Ocean Decade.
ACE and Capacity Building for Youth Leadership: Needs, Gaps, and Opportunities
Side Event Room 9
Tuesday, November 19
15:00-16:30
A discussion on the current state of Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE) implementation in the context of the ACE Action Plan and annual ACE summary report, showcasing concrete examples of capacity building for youth empowerment and leadership.
Sailing for Change: Film Festival for the Ocean Decade
Extreme Hangout, Greenzone
Wednesday, November 20
2:00-3:00 PM
https://www.extremehangoutcop29.com/sessions/10-06
Bringing stories from the ocean, this Film Festival for the UN Ocean Decade will feature a series of short films to highlight the incredible biodiversity of pristine regions of the world including Patagonia, the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, sailing with Peace Boat through the fjords of Alaska and into the wilderness of the mangrove forests in Mexico.
Youth for the SDGs scholars including representatives from Grenada and Trinidad and Tobago will come together to share their insights from the films. Director’s talks will feature a session after the short film “HOPE” from Peace Boat’s voyage to the Arctic and will showcase his short feature film of 30 minutes entitled “Against the Tide: A Journey for Climate Hope”
Youth Leadership in SDGs: Talk Story for Climate Action
SDG Pavilion
Thursday, November 21
9:00-9:45 AM
This event will showcase storytelling as a powerful capacity-building tool in addressing the climate crisis. Through engaging narratives and compelling examples, we aim to highlight both the profound impacts of climate change on various communities and ecosystems, as well as innovative and effective solutions being implemented around the world. The interplay of science, policy, and storytelling is crucial in shaping the climate movement. This session will delve into the importance of crafting diverse narratives around the climate crisis, highlighting the significance of telling stories from various perspectives to evoke empathy, provoke concern, and inspire hope.
Empowering Youth Through Capacity Building: Elevating Voices for Climate Action and Ambition
Moana Blue Pavilion
Thursday, November 21
12:00-12:50 PM
Showcasing the role of youth in scaling up climate ambition and climate adaptation with focus on the value of capacity building, networks and peer to peer exchange for youth across the Pacific, as well as from other large ocean states.
Exhibition: Making Waves
Exhibition Booth 28 | Blue Zone
November 11-16
Showcasing global initiatives for the SDGs featuring youth capacity building for ocean and climate action, with a special focus on young leaders from SIDS around the world who are making a positive difference for coastal communities.