Forging Green Alliances: Denmark Showcases Public-Private Collaboration at COP29
BAKU, AZERBAIJAN—In the midst of the formal negotiations at COP29, Denmark created a strategic space for collaboration by hosting an exclusive evening reception at The Landmark Hotel in Baku. Organized by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Danish Industry, and State of Green, the event served as a powerful showcase for the nation's successful model of public-private partnerships in advancing the green transition.
The reception, held on November 15, 2024, was designed to foster high-level networking and relationship-building among key stakeholders, moving beyond the traditional conference format to facilitate open dialogue. It underscored Denmark's commitment to sharing its expertise in co-creation, innovation, and investment—the pillars that have driven its ambitious climate goals. The presence of international guests, including representatives from Women in Renewable Energy (WiRE), highlighted the event's focus on promoting diverse and inclusive climate partnerships.
Danish Expertise on Display
The event effectively positioned Denmark as a global leader in climate action. By drawing on its own national success story, the organizers demonstrated how a small country can achieve significant progress through a concerted effort between its public and private sectors. The core takeaway was a message of shared responsibility and mutual benefit: while the public sector sets ambitious, long-term goals and a stable regulatory framework, the private sector provides the innovation, solutions, and financial investment necessary to achieve them. This synergistic relationship is a cornerstone of Denmark's approach to decarbonization.
Building Bridges Beyond Borders
Beyond showcasing Danish success, the reception was a vital platform for creating new international alliances. The intimate setting away from the main conference venue allowed for more candid conversations, laying the groundwork for potential future collaborations and joint ventures. The inclusion of Azerbaijani culture and cuisine also served to build rapport and demonstrate respect for the host nation, further enhancing the atmosphere of trust and cooperation.
The event's primary purpose was not to announce final solutions but to ignite the conversations that will lead to them. For attendees like Michelle Branigan, President & CEO of Electricity Human Resources Canada, Marie Badiane, WiRE France Chapter Leader, and Yasemin Somuncu, WiRE Turkiye Chapter Leader, the reception was a valuable opportunity to connect with Danish leaders and explore how the public-private partnership model could be adapted to accelerate the energy transition in their own regions.
Ultimately, the Danish reception was a masterclass in climate diplomacy. It demonstrated that effective climate action is not just about policy and targets; it’s about people, partnerships, and the shared conviction that a green future is a collaborative one. This event at COP29 was a crucial step in translating Denmark’s domestic success into a blueprint for global climate partnerships.
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Written by:
Andrew Osawe,
Director of Operations,
Women in Renewable Energy (WiRE)
