Baku-hosted COP29 described as milestone for entire region Discussions at ADA

Veronika Bagi, the Head of the Hungarian Delegation at UNFCCC, described holding COP29 in Azerbaijan as a milestone not only for the country but for the entire region as she addressed the event themed "Opportunities and Challenges for Climate Action. European and Regional Perspective" held at ADA University in Baku on May 22.

"Hungary and Azerbaijan belong to the same regional group - Eastern Europe. In fact, it was a very complicated negotiation process due to the geopolitical situation and tensions in the region. Because it's not just about the location, it's about the general agenda and how to draw attention to the region and the country. So, this is a very important event for the country and the region," she stressed, Report informs.

According to her, the "troika" will play an important role in the fight against climate change.

Bagi recalled that during the COP28 held in Dubai, Armenia agreed to hold the next conference in Azerbaijan, and this was a significant event: "All this suggests that even countries with very distinct experiences and tense relations can come together and reach a common agreement."

Meanwhile, addressing the event, Deputy Director Environment and Climate Policies and Cooperation at the Belgian Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs, External Trade and Development Cooperation, Ulrik Lenaerts, said that the COP29 team is very serious about doing its part in the fight against climate change.

"We had a ministerial meeting in March. We see how seriously you (the COP29 team) approach preparation in this area. We are talking about the preparation of the government of Azerbaijan. It also means preparing all countries to meet new climate goals. The second is related to the financial issue. The required funding can only be achieved by combining public and private funding, and international and domestic resources. The dynamic and growing nature of opportunities should also be taken into account," he said.

In his remarks at the event, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Azerbaijan Zoltan Szalai said that COP29 presents a good opportunity for the world to advance the climate agenda.

“This year's COP29 conference will be held in Azerbaijan. I think it will be an important political opportunity not only for this country but also for the whole world to promote the climate agenda,” he underlined, Trend reports.

According to him, the EU cooperates closely not only with universities but also with the Azerbaijani government in the field of combating climate change.

“Within the EU-Azerbaijan cooperation at bilateral and regional levels, the EU is ready to explore ways to intensify our climate action without negative consequences. For example, assisting Azerbaijan to promote its climate policy concerning the transportation sector,” he added.

 This November, Azerbaijan will host COP29. This decision was made at the COP28 plenary meeting held in Dubai on December 11 last year. Baku will become the center of the world and will receive about 70–80,000 foreign guests.