Azerbaijani ambassador, experts discuss COP29 scientific aspects at University of Cambridge PHOTO

20 October 2024 11:13

The University of Cambridge has held a panel discussion focusing on the scientific and practical elements of the upcoming 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, set to occur in Azerbaijan this November.

Moderated by Siddharth (Montu) Saxena, a board member of the Scientific Council for the COP29 Presidency, the event featured a video presentation showcasing the preparations for COP29, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

In his comments, Siddharth Saxena highlighted the enduring scientific and practical collaboration between Azerbaijan and the University of Cambridge, expressing his confidence in Azerbaijan's ability to successfully host COP29.

During the event, Elin Suleymanov, the Azerbaijani Ambassador to the United Kingdom, emphasized the significance of October 18, which marks Azerbaijan's Day of Restoration of Independence.

He characterised the hosting of COP29 as evidence of Azerbaijan’s development as a regional leader and an independent nation over the past 33 years.

Suleymanov outlined COP29 key areas of focus, such as climate finance targets, carbon market regulation, and support for small island developing states at risk from climate change.

He also emphasised collaborative projects with the Commonwealth and initiatives from the COP29 Presidency, including the COP Truce initiative. While speaking about Azerbaijan's exemplary leadership in the energy transition and significant investments in alternative energy projects, the diplomat also highlighted initiatives included in the COP29 agenda.

Suleymanov stated that during the event, Azerbaijan will call on the world for a "ceasefire within the COP" urging everyone to support this initiative. Professor Sian Dutton, along with Akshay Rao and Prajakti Kalra from the University of Cambridge, discussed the role of minerals in the transition to clean energy, the historical evolution of energy resources, and the impact of climate change on the development agenda.

Professor Nicholas Ray from the University’s Faculty of Architecture discussed the impact of climate change on urban planning. Each expert underscored the significance of the COP process in advancing climate action, particularly highlighting the crucial role of COP29, which will be held in Azerbaijan.

They emphasised that this event represents a vital opportunity for global leaders to collaborate and implement effective strategies to address climate change challenges. University professors Sian Dutton, Akshay Rao, Prajakti Karla, and Nicholas Ray also spoke at the event, which concluded with a Q&A session.

The 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29), scheduled for November, will mark a significant milestone for Azerbaijan as it steps into the presidency of this crucial global climate summit. With the COP presidency rotating among the UN’s recognized regions, the event is expected to draw 70,000 to 80,000 international participants to Baku, with Baku Stadium selected as the primary venue, further showcasing the nation’s readiness to host world-class events.

Azerbaijan’s leadership for COP29 is dedicated to promoting a transparent, impartial, and inclusive process. This approach is rooted in a comprehensive plan focusing on two interconnected pillars: elevating ambition and facilitating concrete actions to address the urgent challenges posed by climate change.

The decision to hold COP29 in Azerbaijan was made during the COP28 plenary session in Dubai on December 11, 2023. The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was founded at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 to prevent harmful human impacts on the climate. COP, the Convention's decision-making body, has 198 member states and has met annually since the first COP in Berlin in 1995, with its secretariat based in Bonn.