Ambassador: Azerbaijan places paramount importance on environmental security

Azerbaijani ambassador to South Korea Ramin Hasanov has said that the trust in Azerbaijan to host and chair the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) this year highlights the country’s readiness to lead in advancing the climate agenda and contributing significantly to global climate efforts.

Hasanov made these remarks during the conference entitled "Path to COP29" in Seoul organised by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), Caliber.Az reports via local media. 

“Azerbaijan places paramount importance on environmental security, ecological sustainability, and green growth. One of the key long-term goals for Azerbaijan is the transition to a green economy. In this context, a clean environment and green growth have been identified as major national priorities for socio-economic development,” he said.

“However, Azerbaijan is already facing the adverse effects of climate change, complicating the achievement of our environmental objectives. Azerbaijan is experiencing extreme heat, water scarcity, declining Caspian Sea levels, and desertification, all of which directly impact the livelihoods and well-being of our population. Water resource pollution from transboundary flows and widespread landmine contamination in liberated areas left by Armenia continue hindering our environmental efforts. Climate change is not a distant threat; it is a real danger that affects billions of people around the world today,” the diplomat stated.

He noted that combating climate change is a collective responsibility that requires action and leadership from all.

“Azerbaijan will host COP29 in Baku in November 2024. Guided by the call for solidarity in the name of a green world, our country is working to bridge developing nations and strengthen the spirit of cooperation to address climate challenges as a shared commitment and moral duty. COP29 will be the first event in the South Caucasus, and it is a great honour for us to present our country to the world,” he said.  

“The trust towards us by the international community to host and chair COP29 this year is a testament to Azerbaijan's readiness to lead the climate agenda and contribute to the global fight against climate change. As the chair, Azerbaijan reaffirms its commitment to conducting COP29 in a transparent, impartial, and inclusive manner, reflecting the initiatives of all parties involved. We are also fully dedicated to inclusivity throughout the process, and it will be essential for us to work collaboratively across various interconnected areas,” Hasanov emphasised. 

The conference in Seoul also featured Alanoud Alhaj, a representative from the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. She highlighted that her country is actively engaged in negotiations with the COP29 and COP30 (Brazil) delegations as part of the "COP Troika".

"Besides the outcomes of COP28, we are actively participating in 'Troika' events alongside Azerbaijan and Brazil, supporting their efforts, particularly regarding the continuity of climate financing. We hope that COP29 in Baku will achieve significant progress, including the establishment of a clear and measurable target for climate change financing," she stated. 

Alhaj also reminded attendees about the establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund.

“The COP28 president has called on the COP29 presidency for approval of the fund to support those on the front lines of the climate crisis. A total of $792 million has been pledged for loss and damage financing, with $100 million coming from the UAE. Therefore, I am proud to say that my country is taking action. We are not just talking; we are taking concrete steps,” she stated. 

The event featured not only officials but also leading climate experts who emphasised the urgent need for immediate action in the fight against climate change. 

They underscored that the global community cannot postpone adaptation measures and efforts to reduce harmful emissions, as the consequences of climate change are becoming tangible and destructive. The experts also called for enhanced international cooperation and increased financial support for vulnerable countries to address climate challenges and mitigate the damage caused by ongoing global environmental changes.

By Naila Huseynova