Baku, Riyadh explore cooperation on climate change initiatives

Azerbaijan and Saudi Arabia engaged in discussions aimed at fostering cooperation in the realm of climate change activities, with a focus on joint efforts to advance the objectives and principles outlined in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement.

The talks transpired during a meeting between Saudi Arabia's Minister of Energy, Abdulaziz bin Salman Al-Saud, and Azerbaijan's Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Mukhtar Babayev, Report informs citing foreign press outlets.

The dialogue centred on avenues for collaborative action to address climate change challenges, with both parties deliberating on Saudi Arabia's ongoing endeavours and initiatives aimed at mitigating the impacts of climate change.

Among the initiatives under consideration are strategies leveraging renewable energy sources, as well as measures for emissions management, reduction, and environmental remediation. Key initiatives highlighted include the Saudi Green and Middle East Green initiatives, alongside other national and regional programs aimed at combatting climate change.

In a landmark decision made during the COP28 plenary meeting held in Dubai on December 11 last year, Azerbaijan has been chosen as the host for COP29, slated to take place this November. This decision positions Baku to serve as the epicentre of global climate action, welcoming an estimated 70-80,000 foreign guests from around the world.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was established as an agreement at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992, with the primary aim of preventing dangerous human interference with the climate system. The COP, or Conference of the Parties, stands as the highest legislative body overseeing the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change, with 198 countries currently serving as parties to the Convention. Typically, the COP is held annually unless otherwise agreed upon by the parties.

The upcoming COP29 event in Azerbaijan marks a pivotal moment in the global fight against climate change. With the participation of delegates from nearly every nation on earth, the conference will provide a platform for dialogue, negotiation, and cooperation aimed at addressing the pressing challenges posed by climate change.

The history of COP events traces back to the inaugural gathering in March 1995 in Berlin, Germany. Since then, these conferences have played a crucial role in shaping international climate policy and fostering collaboration among nations. The COP's secretariat is headquartered in Bonn, Germany, further underscoring the global significance of these deliberations.

As Azerbaijan prepares to assume the role of host for COP29, the country is poised to demonstrate its commitment to environmental stewardship and contribute to the global efforts to combat climate change. The event represents an opportunity for Azerbaijan to showcase its initiatives, share best practices, and forge partnerships with stakeholders worldwide, with the collective aim of securing a sustainable future for generations to come.