Azerbaijan makes significant contribution to global fight against climate change UN Secretary-General says

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has said that Azerbaijan is making a substantial contribution to the global fight against climate change.

In an interview with Report, Guterres emphasised the importance of Azerbaijan's efforts in promoting initiatives aimed at achieving success at the upcoming COP summit, Caliber.Az reports.

"I believe it is crucial that Azerbaijan is pushing forward with its initiatives for all parties to the Framework Convention to be focused on the success of COP," he stated.

Guterres also stressed that climate change is devastating the world everywhere.

“This year is likely to be the hottest on record, with the warmest months to date. We are seeing droughts, hurricanes, and floods wreaking havoc across vast parts of the globe," he added.

The UN chief highlighted the need for ambitious initiatives to address the climate crisis, with a strong emphasis on the upcoming COP29 event in Azerbaijan.

He also noted that Azerbaijan will present its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which will serve as an important signal to other countries.

"Azerbaijan’s NDC, fully aligned with the 1.5°C target, will send a powerful message to other nations, urging them to follow suit," Guterres concluded.

The 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) will take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11-22, 2024. This decision was made at the COP28 plenary in Dubai in December 2023.

The conference will gather 70,000 to 80,000 international participants, including government leaders, business figures, and civil society representatives, to drive action on the climate crisis.

A central focus will be on securing finance, as trillions of dollars are required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect communities from climate impacts. COP29 will also serve as a critical moment for countries to submit updated climate action plans under the Paris Agreement, aiming to limit global warming to 1.5°C and further the Sustainable Development Goals.

By Aghakazim Guliyev