Event

ITC @ COP29

Azerbaijan

Overview

The International Trade Centre is bringing five entrepreneurs to COP29, in Baku, Azerbaijan. They'll join our delegation to share their first-hand experiences of how climate change affects small businesses, and how they can become part of the solution.

As the United Nation’s small business agency, ITC has planned a number of engagements at COP29, all seeking to include micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the global climate talks.

Small businesses represent 90% of the companies in the world and generate at least 50% of all jobs, making their inclusion in mitigation and adaptation measures against climate change all the more important.

Some ITC initiatives include:

Bringing a delegation of small businesses who will be active in the ITC Pavilion in the Blue Zone, and across the conference. They’ll do meaningful networking and connect with the negotiations, to strengthen the positions of small businesses within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) process.

Supporting countries to integrate trade and MSMEs in their National Determined Contributions (NDCs), with a set of guidelines that can be used by countries. A preliminary version of these guidelines will be shared at COP29, as the global community prepares NDCs for final presentation at COP30, next year in Brazil.

Supporting countries to leverage trade and trade policies for the deployment of renewable energy. A new report will show how trade can accelerate the deployment of renewables in developing countries, with examples from seven countries in different continents.

Leadership and innovation are two key concepts that support effective climate action. ITC will organize and host a series of events, including a high-level panel during Finance Investment and Trade Day (14 November), discussing innovations and leadership on trade for climate action. ITC will also run workshops for the business sector in the Green Zone.

ITC will support the COP29 Presidency initiatives at the conference, particularly the Baku Initiative on Climate Finance Trade and Investment and the Declaration of the SME Coalition on Climate Action.

COP29 will serve also as a space for ITC to advance partnerships with different countries on projects that can effectively address their national priorities. This follows on the letter of intent signed at COP28 between ITC and the Green Climate Fund, as well as supporting the ongoing process of accreditation that can catapult climate finance for small businesses.

Programme

Azerbaijan Standard Time (GMT+4)

Events organized by ITC and Partners in different locations

13 November

Panel Trade and investment policies to advance climate ambition, implementation and sustainable development

The session will explore how trade and investment policies can help advance the implementation of climate goals while offering sustainable development opportunities in the context of the NDCs. Participants will share their experiences, challenges, priorities and the role of international cooperation in putting forward development and 1.5-aligned climate plans.

14 November - Launch session (ministerial level)

Launch session (ministerial level) – Baku Initiative for Climate Finance, Investment, and Trade (BICFIT)

Recognizing the critical role of multilateralism, United Nations values and principles, and international cooperation and coordination in achieving ambitious climate action, Baku Initiative for Climate Finance, Investment, and Trade (BICFIT) offers an innovative multistakeholder dialogue and partnership platform to enhance the climate finance, investment, trade, and the SDG nexus. This novel initiative reinforces the importance of a strong development dimension into climate action, including through a new lens that seeks to highlight the socio-economic development co-benefits of climate finance, investment and trade policies. The BICFIT platform will host regular dialogues and meetings to enhance cooperation.

This initiative will allow the exchange of information, experience and best practices, peer learning, coordination, and other action-oriented partnerships. It will also allow syndicate financing, investment, and trade support for the development and implementation of 1.5C and SDG-aligned NDCs to ensure just transitions for all.

Events organized by ITC and Partners

B4 Trade House, Blue Zone

14 November

High-Level signature trade event: Global Leaders Unite to advance Climate FIT Action: the coherence 'missing piece'

his signature trade-focused high-level event, celebrating the Climate Finance, Investment and Trade (FIT) Day, will set the tone for COP29 participants demonstrating solutions and ways to leverage climate finance and investment, including directly targeting MSMEs and prioritizing the most vulnerable, helping to ramp up ambition and implementation in the new wave of NDCs.

Organized around a series of best practices and positive experiences shared by Leaders already integrating "climate FIT" considerations into their NDCs, the session will help inspire and illustrate what trade action can and is already being taken to help ensure a just transition and achieving the Paris Agreement goals.

It will also be the first concrete example of the Baku Initiative for Climate Finance, Investment and Trade (BICFIT) Dialogue being launched that day.

15 November

ROUNDTABLE: Enabling Access to finance for SMEs in Emerging Markets and Developing Economies

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play a major role in Emerging Markets and Developing Economies (EMDEs) - driving economic growth, creating employment opportunities, and supporting the creation of a vibrant local economy. At the same time, SMEs are disproportionately vulnerable to climate-related risks and shocks.

SMEs play a vital role in a just transition that delivers equitable human and economic development. Recognizing these challenges and opportunities, particularly across emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs), the COP29 High-Level Champion (HLC), Nigar Arparadai, launched the “Climate-Proofing SMEs” campaign to improve SMEs’ awareness of and access to relevant capacity building measures and opportunities to access finance - so they too can thrive in the green transition.

This roundtable will bring together organizations providing support to SMEs in EMDEs through the COP29 Climate-Proofing SMEs campaign, alongside SMEs and other organization in EMDEs to share experience-based insights and a way forward on the role of partnerships in enabling access to finance and support for SMEs. The objectives of this session are: To explore key barriers and opportunities in enabling access to finance for SMEs through coordinated action /partnerships. Showcasing the support and resources offered by key global actors for scaling access for finance for SMEs (Including the role of last mile financial service providers). Aligning strategic priorities and activities of key actors in the SME ecosystem to effectively scale access to finance for SME in EMDEs.

19 November

Climate action by cooperatives

21 November

From Baku to Belém: leveraging finance to promote bioeconomies for climate action (tentative title)

Events organized by ITC

D10 Trade House, Green Zone

18 November

TED talk: NASMB and Natural Fiber - Stories of climate action from real life entrepreneurs

This session will feature two entrepreneurs:

Nilufari Farrukhi from the Tajikistan National Association of Small and Medium Businesses (NASMB) will share initiatives enhancing climate competitiveness for small entrepreneurs in Tajikistan, focusing on capacity building and technical support for resource-efficient practices in agriculture. The session will cover: Building human capital for sustainable growth; Implementing resource-efficient practices; and Education's role in accessing climate finance.

Qasim Siddiqui is founder of The Natural Fiber Company, a startup from rural Sindh, Pakistan, that is transforming sustainable textiles and home decor by using waste banana stems to create eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic materials. Qasim will share how his company is innovating within the circular economy, reducing their carbon footprint, and repurposing agricultural waste to prevent 2-4 tons of CO2 emissions for every ton of banana stems reused. The session will address: The role of small businesses in climate innovation; How repurposing agricultural waste contributes to sustainability; and The environmental and social impact of shifting to natural fibers in manufacturing.

WORKSHOP: Discover ITC's tool to boost sustainability for small businesses

As climate change intensifies, optimizing energy use, reducing emissions, and managing waste are essential for mitigating environmental impacts. The ITC Green Performance Toolkit helps small businesses efficiently utilize resources by establishing baselines, benchmarks, and improvement targets, enabling informed decisions, ESG reporting, and compliance preparation. It tracks performance in eight categories: energy, water, waste, wastewater, EMS, air emissions, greenhouse gas emissions, and chemicals/soil. This session will demonstrate how the toolkit can be integrated into climate action initiatives for small businesses. Expected outcomes include Increased awareness of using the toolkit for climate action and resource efficiency; and Engagement with stakeholders on supporting small businesses in their low-carbon transition.
Bio: Ana Batalhone is a Programme Officer at the International Trade Centre (ITC), specializing in Trade and Environment. With over 10 years of experience in private sector development and green transition, she leads initiatives to help small businesses shift towards a low-carbon, nature-positive economy. A Brazilian international development professional, Ana holds a Master’s in International Affairs and has completed executive training in Business and Climate Change (Univ. of Cambridge), Nature-Based Solutions (Univ. of Oxford), the Global Biodiversity Framework, and CSR (Univ. of Geneva).

19 November

TED talk: Bilum & Trashcoin - Stories of climate action from real life entrepreneurs

This session will feature two entrepreneurs:

Phebe is a founder of Trashcoin Limited in Nigeria, will showcase her digital platform for waste management, often called the "Uber for waste." Trashcoin allows users to deposit recyclables into digital wallets, earning credits exchangeable for goods and services, thereby promoting recycling in urban communities. The session will explore: Digital platforms’ role in waste management; Engaging urban communities in recycling; and Waste management’s impact on urban sustainability.

Florence, a famous bilum weaver and fiber artist from Papua New Guinea, will showcase her work in advancing sustainability and climate resilience through traditional weaving. By collaborating with indigenous women in remote communities, Florence promotes sustainable practices, using natural fibers and dyes, replanting native flora, and educating weavers on recycling and ecosystem preservation. Key topics include the blend of traditional craftsmanship and sustainable agriculture; Empowering women through climate resilience workshops focused on ecosystems; and Strengthening sustainable market supply chains through local practices.

20 November

ROUNDTABLE: Including small business in the NDCs: ITC guidelines

In this session, ITC will introduce its new Guidelines for integrating MSMEs into the next cycle of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Often overlooked in climate policies, MSMEs play a crucial role in innovation, resource efficiency, and sustainability. This session will emphasize the need to include MSMEs as essential climate contributors. With the launch of NDC 3.0, there’s an opportunity to integrate MSMEs and trade into climate commitments, especially in developing economies. The ITC Guidelines provide practical advice for policymakers on creating inclusive climate policies, enabling MSMEs to access finance, green tech, and capacity-building. By involving MSMEs in climate strategies, countries can adopt a more inclusive approach to their climate goals, empowering smaller businesses in sustainable trade and supply chains.
Bio: Karen Suassuna, a Brazilian Agricultural Engineer and mother of two, joined the International Trade Centre in November 2022 as Senior Advisor on Climate and Trade. She currently leads the implementation of ITC's "Green Moonshot," a 2025 vision to establish climate and environment as core pillars. With 20 years of experience in socio-environmental and development policies, Karen has spent the past 14 years advancing social change in climate action across developing countries. Her expertise includes capacity building, strategy and policy development, and cross-sector communication, with roles spanning NGOs like Greenpeace and WWF, directing the Climate Change Department at Brazil's Ministry of Environment, and managing Oak Foundation’s climate investments. Karen holds a Bachelor’s in Agricultural Engineering from the University of São Paulo and an MSc in Environmental Change and Management from the University of Oxford.

21 November

TED talk: Ceres Seeding - Stories of climate action from real life entrepreneurs

In this session, Fernando de Lucca Moreno from Ceres Seeding will present his pioneering approach to land restoration and environmental maintenance in Brazil, utilizing drones and mapping technology to combat environmental degradation. By focusing on mapping degraded areas, planting forest seeds, and monitoring restoration progress, Ceres Seeding is at the forefront of reforestation efforts, leading to a significant reduction in carbon footprints. The session will address: The integration of technology in land restoration practices; and The importance of biodiversity in sustainable land management.

ITC PAVILION EVENTS

D15, ITC Pavilion, Blue Zone

15 November

TED TALK: Stories of climate action from real life entrepreneurs - Bilum Weaving

For more information, contact Tamari Bitchashvili

In this session, Florence Jaukae Kamel, a famous bilum weaver and fiber artist from Papua New Guinea, will showcase her work in advancing sustainability and climate resilience through traditional weaving. By collaborating with indigenous women in remote communities, Florence promotes sustainable practices, using natural fibers and dyes, replanting native flora, and educating weavers on recycling and ecosystem preservation. Key topics include the blend of traditional craftsmanship and sustainable agriculture; Empowering women through climate resilience workshops focused on ecosystems; and Strengthening sustainable market supply chains through local practices.

16 November

ROUNDTABLE: How can ITC's Green Performance Toolkit enable climate finance for small businesses?

For more information, contact Tamari Bitchashvili

As climate change intensifies, small businesses must optimize energy use, reduce emissions, and manage waste. The ITC Green Performance Toolkit helps them efficiently utilize resources by establishing baselines, benchmarks, and improvement targets, allowing for informed decisions, ESG reporting, and compliance preparation. It tracks performance in eight categories: energy, water, waste, wastewater, EMS, air emissions, greenhouse gas emissions, and chemicals/soil. This roundtable targets financiers of SME climate initiatives, focusing on how the toolkit captures environmental metrics that align with their evaluation criteria for climate financing. Expected outcomes include: Understanding how the toolkit aligns with financing criteria; and Collecting feedback on tool improvements for better SME climate financing support.
Bio: Ana Batalhone is a Programme Officer at the International Trade Centre (ITC), specializing in Trade and Environment. With over 10 years of experience in private sector development and green transition, she leads initiatives to help small businesses shift towards a low-carbon, nature-positive economy. A Brazilian international development professional, Ana holds a Master’s in International Affairs and has completed executive training in Business and Climate Change (Univ. of Cambridge), Nature-Based Solutions (Univ. of Oxford), the Global Biodiversity Framework, and CSR (Univ. of Geneva).

ROUNDTABLE: Including small business in the NDCs: ITC guidelines

For more information, contact Karen Suassuna

18 November

TED talk: Stories of climate action from real life entrepreneurs - Trashcoin

For more information, contact Tamari Bitchashvili

In this session, Phebe, founder of Trashcoin Limited in Nigeria, will showcase her digital platform for waste management, often called the "Uber for waste." Trashcoin allows users to deposit recyclables into digital wallets, earning credits exchangeable for goods and services, thereby promoting recycling in urban communities. The session will explore: Digital platforms’ role in waste management; Engaging urban communities in recycling; and Waste management’s impact on urban sustainability.

WORKSHOP: Learn to weave a bilum with a master artisan from Papua New Guinea

For more information, contact Tamari Bitchashvili

Join Florence Jaukae Kamel, a renowned bilum weaver from Papua New Guinea, for an immersive workshop on traditional bilum weaving. This hands-on session will explore how bilum weaving preserves cultural heritage and promotes sustainability, using natural fibers and dyes. In the workshop, participants will: Learn the history and cultural significance of bilum weaving; Understand sustainable practices like fiber replanting and recycling; and Try weaving techniques guided by Florence’s expertise.

19 November

TED talk: Stories of climate action from real life entrepreneurs - National Association of Small and Medium Businesses (NASMB) Tajikistan

For more information, contact Tamari Bitchashvili

Nilufari Farrukhi from the Tajikistan National Association of Small and Medium Businesses (NASMB) will share initiatives enhancing climate competitiveness for small entrepreneurs in Tajikistan, focusing on capacity building and technical support for resource-efficient practices in agriculture. The session will cover: Building human capital for sustainable growth; Implementing resource-efficient practices; and Education's role in accessing climate finance.

WORKSHOP: Discover ITC's tool to boost sustainability for small businesses

For more information, contact Tamari Bitchashvili

20 November

TED talk: Stories of climate action from real life entrepreneurs - Natural Fiber Company

For more information, contact Tamari Bitchashvili

This session will feature Qasim Siddiqui, founder of The Natural Fiber Company, a startup from rural Sindh, Pakistan, that is transforming sustainable textiles and home decor by using waste banana stems to create eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic materials. Qasim will share how his company is innovating within the circular economy, reducing their carbon footprint, and repurposing agricultural waste to prevent 2-4 tons of CO2 emissions for every ton of banana stems reused.  The session will address: The role of small businesses in climate innovation;  How repurposing agricultural waste contributes to sustainability; and The environmental and social impact of shifting to natural fibers in manufacturing.

21 November

ROUNDTABLE: Socio-bioeconomy and trade: opportunities to advance climate action

For more information, contact Ana Batalhone

Time TBC

TED talk: Stories of climate action from real life entrepreneurs - Ceres Seeding

For more information, contact Tamari Bitchashvili

Trade & climate change: ITC at COP

Green competitiveness