UNHCR at COP29: First-ever climate-displacement report; refugee advocates for climate action

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, have a senior team at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku to ensure the plight of displaced people and their urgent need for protection, financing and support is included in discussions and decisions throughout the summit.  

This year, UNHCR will be releasing a new report on November 12 with statistical analysis and predictive data on the interlinkages between conflict, displacement and climate change. This is UNHCR’s first climate report and explores the intersection between climate and displacement, gaps in current climate financing, the future of legal protection for those impacted and the need for investment in resilience projects in fragile and conflict-affected settings.

The inclusion and participation of displaced communities in decision-making forums such as COP is a top priority for UNHCR. We have a team of eight refugees and displaced people working in climate advocacy, some of whom will be in Baku, as part of a larger team. 

UNHCR’s delegation in Baku will include:

• UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi
• UNHCR Special Advisor on Climate Action, Andrew Harper
• UNHCR’s Goodwill Ambassador, Theo James
• two refugee advocates for climate action, Dorong Grace and Opira Bosko Okot.

Highlights for media of UNHCR at COP29

Tuesday, 12 November 2024

14:30 – 15:00 UNHCR: Press Conference Launch of report – No Escape: On the Frontlines of Climate, Conflict and Displacement

Speakers: UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi and Grace Dorong, refugee advocate

Location: Press Conference – Karabakh, Area D

Thursday, 14 November 2024

17:30-18:00 UNHCR: Launch of the Refugees for Climate Action Network by UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Theo James

Speakers: UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, Theo James and Opira Bosko Okot, refugee advocate

Location: Press Conference – Karabakh, Area D

All press conferences will be webcast (live and on-demand) and visible to the public through UNFCCC Schedule of COP 29 events page and the UN Climate Change App.

UNHCR can also make available video footage and photos from its operations – download video footage and photos.

Media contacts for further details: 

• For interviews or special requests for UNHCR at COP29, please contact Olga Sarrado [email protected].
• For interviews or special requests with UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Theo James, please contact Stephanie Hazelwood at [email protected].
• For event and engagement requests at COP29, please contact Joelle Eid [email protected].