ADB Executive Director sees COP29 as chance for productive collaboration with Azerbaijan

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) anticipates numerous prospects for productive collaboration with Azerbaijan during the upcoming COP29 in Baku.

Rachel Thompson, ADB Executive Director for 11 countries, including Azerbaijan, expressed this sentiment in response to a question from a Report correspondent in Tbilisi.

"This marks one of the first occasions in many years that the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change returns to a developing ADB member country. It's a significant gathering, and the Azerbaijani government has notably prioritized climate finance," Thompson remarked.

Thompson emphasized ADB's steadfast commitment to addressing climate change and related financial challenges.

"I anticipate numerous opportunities for fruitful collaboration, and we, at ADB, eagerly anticipate working alongside the Azerbaijani government to ensure the success of COP29," the ADB executive director said.

Thompson noted that Azerbaijan and Georgia were part of a group of 11 countries that includes Australia, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Kiribati, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu.

Thompson noted that she originates from Australia. 

“I am very lucky because I represent Azerbaijan as an ADB shareholder, every shareholder has a managing director, usually the finance minister. ADB is represented by Samir Sharifov, who is one of the most experienced members of our management team. I am honoured to benefit from his wise advice on representing Azerbaijan in ADB,” she said.