Team Trivandi recently worked with the COP29 Operating Company and other Azerbaijani entities on COP29. We extend our congratulations to the organisers for their success in handling such a demanding and complex event.
Reflection is key after every event, offering valuable insights to support future hosts of global summits like COP, G20, APEC and BRICS. Our COP29 team lead 
Peter Docwra and Director of Sustainability 
Selina Donald share some key considerations for optimising the hosting model and reducing cost, operational and environmental impact of future events:
- Focus on the event’s core purpose first and foremost. Global summits like COP and the G20 are about policy making and decisions by leaders. For future COPs, consider separating the negotiations from side events. This would enable smaller and perhaps more frequent negotiations for increased focus on combating climate change, whilst ensuring a lower carbon and waste footprint of the event.
- The event must be organised to reflect the important message and content being discussed. Sustainability, including accessibility and social impact, needs to be incorporated from the outset, and integrated into venue design, construction and guest experience, as well as the overarching strategy and operational running of the event.
- Prioritise the guest experience for world leaders, negotiators, and delegates to ensure a seamless and positive experience, that enables full focus on the critical negotiations. Faultless logistics will always help achieve policy outcomes.
- Thoroughly test plans through simulations, desktop sessions, and on-site readiness exercises to identify and address any potential challenges proactively.
- Recognise that global events like COP, G20, BRICS, and APEC demand year-long commitments, including pre-meetings, rehearsals and advance visits. Planning should encompass the entire timeline to prevent exhaustion among planning teams.
By implementing these lessons learned from past events, future summits can be set up for success and lead to positive policy outcomes on issues like climate change that will have an impact across generations.
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