Azerbaijani president urges former colonial nations to support small island states at COP29

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has called on developed countries, particularly those with a colonial past, to provide tangible financial and technical support to small island nations, emphasizing the need for global action to address climate change.

During his speech at the Leaders’ Summit of the Small Islands Developing States (SIDS) on Climate Change at COP29 on November 13, President Aliyev urged developed nations to take greater responsibility in supporting these vulnerable regions, which are facing the devastating effects of climate change, Caliber.Az reports, citing the local media.

"I call all developed countries, especially with the colonial past to provide tangible financial and technical support to small island states," Aliyev stated, reiterating Azerbaijan’s commitment to assisting SIDS in mitigating the impacts of climate change.

“Since Azerbaijan became the host country of COP29, our relationship with small island developing states has been elevated to a new high level. The votes of SIDS must be heard on a global stage,” stated President Aliyev, emphasizing Azerbaijan's dedication to amplifying the voices of these states in international climate discussions.

He further underscored the impact of neo-colonialism on climate-vulnerable regions, citing examples in the Caribbean and Pacific. “Neo-colonialism and climate change. The so-called overseas territories of France and the Netherlands, particularly in the Caribbean and Pacific, are among the most severely impacted by climate change,” he said.

President Aliyev pointed to the dire consequences of climate change on these territories, highlighting sea level rise, extreme weather events, and biodiversity loss. “Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and biodiversity loss create serious threats to these regions. The voices of these communities are often brutally suppressed by the regimes in their metropolises,” he emphasized.

Touching on the delayed decolonization processes in French territories, he remarked, “French Polynesia and New Caledonia have been recognized as non-self-governing territories by the United Nations since 1946-1947. However, their decolonization process is still delayed.” He also called attention to France’s nuclear testing legacy, noting the environmental damage inflicted on French Polynesia and Algeria. “French Polynesia faced serious environmental degradation due to 193 nuclear tests conducted by France. France is responsible for severe soil and water contamination and radiation there. If we add the 17 nuclear tests conducted by France in Algeria during the years of occupation, we will see what damage this country made to the ecosystem of the planet,” President Aliyev noted.

In addition to environmental issues, the President highlighted human rights concerns in overseas territories, citing deadly incidents during protests in New Caledonia. He stated, “President Aliyev highlighted incidents of human rights violations by France in overseas territories, pointing out that during protests in New Caledonia, numerous citizens were killed and injured by the Macron regime.”

President Aliyev then showcased Azerbaijan's history of providing support to SIDS, particularly through disaster relief and assistance in areas like water supply, food security, and cultural heritage restoration. “Azerbaijan is demonstrating its unwavering support for small islands states. We have provided assistance to a number of disaster-hit countries in mitigating the impact of hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods,” he said, adding, “We have also supported water supply, food security, and the restoration of cultural heritage projects. More than 10 small island states have benefited from our educational grant program to study at universities in Azerbaijan.”

Highlighting Azerbaijan’s role within the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), President Aliyev underscored the extensive financial and humanitarian assistance provided during Azerbaijan's chairmanship, which benefited over 80 countries, including 20 SIDS. “During our four-year-long chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement, we provided financial and humanitarian assistance to more than 80 countries, including 20 small island states. Addressing the challenges faced by these countries is at the center of Azerbaijan's efforts at COP29,” he stated.

He also noted the recent progress made in climate finance, specifically regarding the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund to aid vulnerable countries. “The leaders from Bahamas, Tonga, and Tuvalu visited Azerbaijan this May to discuss their vision for COP. The adopted Baku Communique called for a meaningful outcome at COP29 and underscored the importance of accessible climate finance. Serious progress was achieved on making operational the Loss and Damage Fund in Baku this September. Now, the process must be completed to deliver finance to countries in need, in particular small island states,” added President Aliyev.

President Aliyev reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s support for SIDS, stating, “Azerbaijan supported small island states as the chair of the Non-Aligned Movement, supports them as President of COP29, and will continue to support our friends in the future.”