Climate pressure on cities and trade systems dominates Azerbaijan–UN talks

Mukhtar Babayev, Azerbaijan’s Presidential Representative on Climate Issues and COP29 President, met with UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan in Baku to discuss the impact of climate change, including growing pressure on infrastructure, trade, water supply systems, and sustainable urban development.

“Had a valuable discussion with Rebeca Grynspan, Member of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center and Candidate for UN Secretary-General, during WUF13 in Baku. Exchanged views on the growing economic implications of climate change, including increasing pressure on infrastructure, trade, water systems and urban resilience, particularly across developing countries.

Discussed the need to scale up adaptation finance and strengthen implementation support, while ensuring climate and development priorities remain closely aligned ahead of COP31,” Babayev said, sharing details of the meeting held on the sidelines of the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13) via his official X account.

Had a valuable discussion with @RGrynspan, Member of the @NizamiGanjaviIC and Candidate for UN Secretary-General, during #WUF13 in Baku.

Exchanged views on the growing economic implications of climate change, including increasing pressure on infrastructure, trade, water systems… pic.twitter.com/zKmAOkjIcl

— Mukhtar Babayev (@Mukhtar_Babayev) May 23, 2026

By Jeyhun Aghazada