Azerbaijan pushes for climate finance for vulnerable nations at global forum in Spain PHOTO

The IV Global Conference on Financing for Development is currently taking place in Seville, Spain, with Azerbaijan actively participating through a delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Samir Sharifov.

On July 1 and 2, Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry, as part of the Conference, organised high-level discussions focusing on key issues such as international development aid and climate finance, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Foreign Ministry.

These discussions aimed to strengthen global cooperation and promote effective financing strategies to meet sustainable development objectives.

A key event on July 1, initiated by the Azerbaijan International Development Assistance Agency (AIDA), was titled “New Partners: Strengthening South-South Cooperation to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.” The event underscored Azerbaijan’s important contributions to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and explored ways to improve the effectiveness of development efforts through enhanced coordination and collaboration.

Particular emphasis was placed on the role of the Baku Hub for Climate and Peacebuilding Actions, a platform created under Azerbaijan’s initiative in preparation for COP29. The Hub aims to facilitate experience sharing and cooperation between countries of the Global North and Global South, fostering stronger partnerships in tackling climate change and promoting peace.

On July 2, the thematic forum “Implementing the Financial Outcomes of COP29: Climate Action for Sustainable Development” was held. The opening ceremony featured remarks from COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev, who stressed the importance of climate financing and the historic decisions made at COP29. Babayev affirmed that the COP29 presidency will continue to contribute to global climate initiatives.

Elshad Isgandarov, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador-at-Large, highlighted the critical role of climate finance for vulnerable and conflict-affected countries. He spoke about Baku Hub, which is working to expand international aid and climate finance to such states.

The Global Conference, held once every ten years, brings together 164 countries and 49 international organisations to discuss and coordinate financing strategies for sustainable development worldwide.

By Khagan Isayev