As part of the 29th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), a panel discussion titled "Strengthening Health Workforce Capacity to Prepare for and Respond to the Health Impacts of Climate Change" was held. The event was jointly organized by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the World Health Organization (WHO).
In his opening remarks, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Health, Teymur Musayev, emphasized that the discussions conducted during COP29 had yielded significant outcomes, and the next steps in this direction have been identified. He stated: "COP29 has been highly successful and productive and will undoubtedly leave its legacy in the history of the climate change movement. For the first time, a unified approach to human development has been brought to the forefront. The health impacts of climate change have become central to discussions, introducing a new paradigm for climate and health."
According to the minister, the main objective of the panel discussion was to explore ways to mitigate the health impacts of climate change by leveraging the most critical component of any healthcare system—the health workforce. He added: "Doctors, nurses, and medical technicians are not just healthcare providers; they are the pillars of a healthy society. Preparing healthcare professionals is a long-term process that requires substantial investment, and we are facing a global shortage of healthcare providers."

Teymur Musayev stated that, as in many developing countries, one of the main challenges in Azerbaijan is the shortage of doctors and nurses in rural areas: “The problem is most evident at the community level, particularly in primary healthcare, which forms the foundation of any effective healthcare system.”
According to him, developing a climate-resilient healthcare workforce involves multiple aspects, including medical education reform, postgraduate training, and targeted strategies to incentivize healthcare workers in remote areas. These efforts also include encouraging medical professionals to live and work in underserved regions: “This is not just a matter of strategic planning but also a human rights issue—people deserve to live in safe environments where their health needs are met. Considering that climate change is ongoing and unlikely to reverse in the near future, we must prioritize mitigating its impacts on health. Key activities include establishing climate-resilient and low-carbon healthcare systems, developing green hospitals, and creating a climate-resilient healthcare workforce. These are essential components for a sustainable and healthy future.”

The minister emphasized that COP29 holds a unique role as a platform for shaping future climate action: "One notable achievement is the initiative to establish the 'Baku COP Presidencies' Legacy Coalition on Climate and Health.' Ensuring the sustainability of actions related to climate change and health is crucial for successfully placing health at the center of the climate change agenda. The climate change agenda is now inseparable from the health agenda. I believe that the discussions at the Baku Conference will provide strong momentum for advancing this comprehensive agenda."
"Building a climate-resilient health workforce is a complex and multifaceted challenge. It requires intensive training, social and economic support for healthcare workers, awareness-raising, and various other measures. Achieving this goal demands time and sustained financial resources. However, through the establishment of partnerships with national and international stakeholders, we can succeed in creating a healthier and more resilient future for our people," concluded the Minister of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The panel discussion also featured contributions from Hande Harmancı, Head of the WHO Country Office; Yeremia Mushosho, Regional Lead for Climate Change, Health, and Environment in Africa; Nadir Zeynalov, Deputy Minister of Health of Azerbaijan; Zaur Aliyev, Chairman of the Board of the State Agency for Mandatory Health Insurance; Izabella Karakis, Head of the Environmental Epidemiology Department at the Israeli Ministry of Health; Vugar Gurbanov, Executive Director of TABIB; and other participants.