In Baku, the “Green Week” project was launched with an international youth forum.

The international “Green Week” project has been launched in Baku. Organized jointly by the IDEA (International Dialogue for Environmental Action) campaign and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), this event, held for the first time in Azerbaijan, brought together not only local guests but also representatives of several international organizations, government and non-governmental organizations, and young leaders invited from abroad.

The IDEA campaign, initiated on July 12, 2011, by the Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva, has implemented numerous local and international projects.

IDEA’s large-scale projects attract the interest of several international organizations. As a result, the campaign establishes cooperation with international organizations and launches joint projects. “Green Week” is one of these projects.

On the first day of “Green Week,” an international youth forum was held. The forum primarily focused on discussions regarding the outcomes of the RIO+20 Summit held in June 2012. Asnake Vondvosen, UNEP’s regional coordinator for partnerships, environment, and health, stated that engaging youth in addressing environmental issues is one of the key objectives.

Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Huseyn Baghirov spoke about environmental protection and greening programs in Azerbaijan. Information was provided about the TUNZA network, which aims to encourage young people to care about the environment. Held for the first time in the Caucasus, “Green Week” in Azerbaijan will continue until November 16.