Azerbaijan sets stage for COP29 with focus on climate action and peace Ambassador Ahmadov sheds light on upcoming event in Swedish media

Aktuell Hållbarhet, Sweden's largest independent newspaper dedicated to environment, climate and sustainable development issues, has published an article by Zaur Ahmadov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark, which discusses the upcoming 29th session of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29), scheduled for November in Baku.

The article outlines Azerbaijan’s major priorities and strategies as it takes on the chairmanship of this significant event, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

The ambassador highlights Azerbaijan’s pivotal role in advancing global climate diplomacy, emphasizing the need to reduce disparities between developed and developing countries while fostering ambitious climate initiatives across various sectors.

In his piece, Ahmadov quotes Azerbaijan’s Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Mukhtar Babayev, who is also the President-designate of COP29. Babayev, reflecting on his recent visits to countries at the frontline of climate challenges, such as small island states and the least developed nations, warned of the severe consequences of inaction. Nevertheless, he expressed hope that the international community is ready to address the climate emergency head-on.

Ahmedov draws attention to the core theme of COP29, which centres around boosting tangible actions through increased climate finance. The focus will be on the creation of a New Collective Quantitative Objective for climate finance, a key area that Azerbaijan has designated as one of its primary goals.

In the article, the ambassador stresses that COP29 will serve as a platform for not only advancing climate goals but also highlighting the intersection between conflict and environmental pollution. He emphasizes that Azerbaijan seeks to use this opportunity to advocate for peace and draw global attention to the environmental impacts of conflict.

"As the world gears up for COP29, Azerbaijan is calling for global solidarity in the fight against climate change. By uniting governments, businesses, civil society, and international organizations, COP29 aims to generate momentum and produce meaningful results that keep the 1.5-degree climate target within reach. Our message is simple: the time for action is now, and every effort counts in the journey towards a greener, more sustainable planet," concludes Ahmadov.

By Tamilla Hasanova