High Level Ministerial Dialogue for Culture at COP29

The 2nd High Level Ministerial Dialogue for Culture-Based Climate Action took place on Friday 15 November at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

There was a strong showing of support from the countries that joined the meeting. This 2nd Ministerial was the result of the hard work of the Group of Friends of Culture-Based Climate Action, an international coalition of UNFCCC Member States who are building political momentum for culture and heritage-based climate action. Co-chaired by Brazil and the UAE, membership of the Group of Friends has grown, with compelling calls from ministers across the world to integrate culture deeply into climate action. This is an unprecedented moment for culture and Julie’s Bicycle is glad to be part of mobilising this movement.

“Together, we must apply relentless pressure to fulfil the promise of the Paris Agreement. To achieve the necessary policy shifts, we must activate all possible pressure points. This is critical. Through the Global Call to Action to Put Culture At the Heart of Climate Policy, we advocate for culture to take its rightful place on the climate agenda. We recognise the vital role of the Group of Friends of Culture-based Climate Action, an alliance of state and non-state actors within the UNFCCC – to lead this movement. It is time to elevate and bring together the voices of artists, creatives, and cultural custodians. Their work is not merely reflective of the world we live in, it is a force for transformation.” – Alison Tickell, Julie’s Bicycle Founder and Co-Director

HRH Princess Dana Firas of Jordan, Special Envoy of the Climate Heritage Network and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, spoke at the meeting and asked those attending to support the inclusion of a cultural workshop request in the final decisions taken at COP29. The outcome of these workshops would then form the basis for a broader consideration of culture at COP30. Tabling and adoption of a ‘Joint Work Decision’ at COP30 is a key goal of the Global Call campaign.

Princess Dana asked attendees for ​​leadership, support, engagement and advocacy, ending “Together we will achieve transformative and meaningful action and realise a just, equitable, inclusive and diverse climate resilient future.”

A big thank you to our fantastic partners Climate Heritage Network, Europa Nostra, European Heritage Hub, Petra National Trust and all signatories to the Global Call to put Culture at the Heart of Climate Action for their contribution to making this happen.