They can also be considered the “unsung heroes” of COP29. It doesn’t matter whether it is our own citizens or foreign representatives who visit our country: as soon as our work becomes difficult, we go to them first. Volunteers try to give satisfactory answers to all questions with moderation and great generosity. We, as representatives of the press, during the 12 days we spent here, only witnessed their smiling faces and good behavior. I thought it would be interesting to introduce our readers to one of the “unsung heroes” of COP29. If this interview published by us is considered a small attention on our part as press officer, we will be happy about it.
Oku.Az Features an interview with the “unsung hero” of COP29:
– Could you introduce yourself…?
– Seljan Mammadova, I am 19 years old. I am studying the fourth year of the Faculty of Business Management at the Azerbaijan State University of Economics.
– Selcan, is this the first event you have participated in as a volunteer?
– No, including COP29, this is the fourth international event I have worked on as a volunteer. My first experience was in “Formula-1” races, then I participated as a volunteer in events organized by UNESCO and “Skybox”.
– How did the volunteers prepare for COP29?
– Of course, the first stage of the competition takes place, the linguistic and communication skills of the volunteers are checked. Next comes the stage of familiarization with the conference venue, which is important to provide adequate information to the guests and orient them correctly. Our team already participated in field training in the area where the conference was held in the first days of November. But of course, our main activity began on November 11.
– You mentioned that this is the fourth event in which you participate as a volunteer. As an experienced volunteer, what are your recommendations for those who want to join your ranks in the future?
– First of all, the volunteer must be patient. During the day, people of different natures may approach you. You must be kind and polite to those who address you. Even as a volunteer, you should not assume that negative behavior toward you is directed at you. Another important quality required of a volunteer is being friendly with other colleagues. In this case, you will be able to cope with your work more easily.
– Has there been any interesting event that you will not forget during these 12 days?
– Yes, it was. On the first day of the event, an older gentleman with a title from Hawaii approached. He said he liked the water bottles we had and wondered where he could get them. I told them that these bottles are only for technical staff and volunteers. But at the end of the conference I told him I could give him my bottle of water. I felt like he didn’t assume my offer was serious. Yesterday he was returning to his country, he approached me. He asked me if I had changed my mind. Of course, I told him I would keep my promise. I took the bottle of water I kept in my closet and gave it to him. He was surprised, he even offered me money in exchange, but I told him that I did this step for free. I was very happy. It is gratifying to be part of the good memory of the person in front of you.
At the same time I work in the lost and found delivery department. A lady informed us that she lost her purse five minutes ago. We told him that a while ago they brought us a woman’s bag. After a brief investigation, it was confirmed that the bag indeed belonged to the lady. He expressed his admiration for the dynamism of our team. He highlighted that he participated in other COPs, but the promptness of our volunteers is a true example for others. In short, it’s great that people trust you.
– It is said that volunteering contributes greatly to the professional future of young people and gives them an advantage. How true is this?
– It is true that I did not receive any job offers in the events in which I participated, but working as a volunteer was of great benefit in the development of my language practice. In general, volunteering is the most successful activity for developing language skills. I will give you another example, I have a friend, before she was an antisocial person, she had difficulties communicating, but after joining our volunteers the communication problem disappeared, she got rid of her complexes. COP is the ideal plane to free yourself from complexes.
Shahriyar Samadov
