Parliament speaker outlines Azerbaijan’s climate, development efforts ahead of COP29

Azerbaijan's Milli Majlis (Parliament) Speaker Sahiba Gafarova, briefed participants of the 149th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) on the forthcoming Baku Global Climate Conference, COP29.

Gafarova highlighted Azerbaijan's intensive preparations for the event during her address. She noted that the country's presidency has already put forward 14 initiatives, one of which is the "Green Digital Action" project, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

"For the first time in the history of COP29, a ‘digitalisation day’ will be held, creating a platform to elevate discussions on the indispensable role of digital technologies in combating the climate crisis. On the same day, a special high-level roundtable will be organised, and an accompanying declaration will be presented," Gafarova stated.

The Speaker also mentioned that, in recognition of the significance of the climate change issue, the Inter-Parliamentary Union, in collaboration with Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis, will organise a parliamentary meeting as part of COP29.

Over the past four years, Azerbaijan has provided humanitarian, economic, and technical assistance to more than 140 countries around the world, amounting to $ 330 million, she noted.

Gafarova further emphasised that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are integrated into Azerbaijan's national development plans and strategies.

"Modern innovations and a competitive human capital are among the five priority areas of Azerbaijan's new socio-economic development strategy up to 2030," she said.

In light of global challenges, Gafarova stressed that countries have a moral obligation to support each other's development ambitions. "At the Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement’s COVID-19 Contact Group, held in Azerbaijan in March 2023, President Ilham Aliyev issued two global appeals to support post-pandemic recovery in Africa and developing small island states. These appeals include direct financial support and the expansion of educational projects," she reminded the assembly.

By Aghakazim Guliyev