From November 11^th until November 22^nd, national leaders, researchers, scientists, industry experts, students, activists, and more will gather in Baku, Azerbaijan for the 29^th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29).

Under the theme “In Solidarity for a Green World,” COP29 focuses on two mutually reinforcing pillars, enhancing ambition and enabling action – prioritising deep, rapid, and sustained emissions reductions.   

Building on a highly impactful participation at COP28 UAE and COP27 Sharm El Sheikh, Dar and Sidara are once again joining global partners to advocate for sustainability in the built environment. This year, our experts will share expertise and insights on one of the most complex decarbonisation challenges: driving the global built environment – one of the world’s greatest climate culprits – towards net zero.

This year, we continue our partnership with the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC), serving as a leading sponsor of the Alliance’s Buildings and Cooling Pavilion in COP29’s Blue Zone. The GlobalABC is a leading global platform that brings together governmental, private sector, civil society, research, and intergovernmental organisations committed to a common mission: advocating for a zero-emission, efficient and resilient building and construction sector. Hosted by the GlobalABC and the UNEP Cool Coalition, COP29’s Buildings and Cooling Pavilion brings together the entire built environment value chain and the cooling community, creating a unified voice to drive building decarbonisation and resilience, while addressing the challenges of extreme heat and sustainable cooling. 

 As one of the world’s leading experts in decarbonising the built environment, Sidara will host two events at the Buildings and Cooling Pavilion, both featuring Dar’s Director of Sustainability and the Chair of Sidara’s Sustainability Council Balsam Nehme.

• Decarbonization of the Built Environment: Crafting Sustainable Futures

Thursday, 14 November 11:15-11:45 AM (Baku Time) COP29 Buildings and Cooling Pavilion, Blue Zone, Pavilion ICC - International Code Council, Number G10

Event description: In the next 9000 days, we have a critical window to reshape our world. Through innovative design, sustainable practices, and a commitment to decarbonization, join this session to learn how Sidara and Dar are building a future that nurtures both people and the planet. This conversation will address from modern construction methods to circular economy principles through projects setting new benchmarks in sustainability across the globe. This session will showcase projects specific to the MENA region.

• Decarbonisation of the Built Environment: Tools and Lessons Learnt from the Ground

Thursday, 14 November, 16:00-17:30 PM (Baku Time) COP29 Buildings and Cooling Pavilion, Blue Zone, Pavilion ICC – International Code Council, Number G10

Event description: The conventional approach to shaping the built environment must be reimagined to achieve decarbonization at scale. This requires a new mindset, tools, processes, and innovative design approaches, alongside strategic investments. But how does this happen in practice? What are the key lessons, priorities, and levers for change? How can digital solutions be deployed effectively to scale impact? In this panel discussion, brought together by Sidara, various experts and stakeholders – from C40 Cities, Solar Impulse Foundation, and more – will share insights on the solutions they’ve implemented, the lessons they’ve learned, and the next critical steps to drive change. Achieving a zero-emission, efficient, and resilient built environment demands systemic transformation—and we all have a role to play. Join us to explore how real-world innovation is driving progress and how we can all contribute to shaping a sustainable future.

Commenting on Dar and Sidara’s participation at COP29, Balsam stated: “The climate reckoning can be an incredible incentive for all of us to come together and think, design, and act differently. As designers, planners, and engineers, we have a responsibility to create new solutions that works toward a better world.”

Follow our journey at COP29 as we seek to share evidence-based strategies towards a zero-emission, efficient construction sector and a climate-resilient built environment.