COP29 and Small Island Developing States Azerbaijan leads the charge in climate change battle

In the context of global climate change, small island developing states have found themselves at the forefront of ecological challenges. These countries risk being submerged due to the rising global sea levels caused by global warming.

In this context, the UN Climate Change Conference COP29, which is set to be held in November this year in Baku, takes on special significance. Azerbaijan, as the host of COP29, has taken on a responsible mission to support these states and actively participate in addressing global climate issues.

Small Island Developing States under threat

Small Island Developing States, such as Tuvalu, Tonga, and the Bahamas, are in a particularly vulnerable zone. For them, climate change is not just an abstract concept but a real threat to their existence. Rising sea levels intensified storms and hurricanes, the disappearance of coral reefs, and other ecological catastrophes put the very survival of these nations in question.

Tuvalu, with its low-lying atolls, is already facing shoreline erosion and salinization of freshwater. Tonga and the Bahamas, though they have larger territories, also suffer from catastrophic weather events that are becoming increasingly frequent and destructive.

Azerbaijan's role in global climate change efforts

Understanding the seriousness of the problem, Azerbaijan has actively engaged in international efforts to combat climate change. On May 13, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with the Governor-General of Tuvalu, Tofiga Falani, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Tonga, Siaosi ‘Ofakivahafolau Sovaleni, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, Frederick Audley Mitchell.

At the meeting, Aliyev emphasized, "we understand that for some countries climate change is a problem, but for some countries, it’s a matter of their existence. We clearly understand it. Helping small island states for us is something, which we consider as our moral duty. So, we can promise you that the issue of small island states and their support, their protection will be in the centre of discussions. We as the president of COP29 will bring it to the spotlight. We are suggesting and also leading consultations with other small island states to convene a meeting of high-level representatives during COP29. And also, we are already discussing with some partners what can be a practical and financial contribution to support small island states."

These words are not just expressions of solidarity but also concrete commitments. Azerbaijan plans to prioritize the issue of supporting small island developing states in the discussions at COP29.

President Ilham Aliyev also noted that "everybody is suffering from change of climate, including Azerbaijan. You have more water, we have less water. We have draughts, you have the problem of the sea covering your surface, but every country is facing a problem. But you are facing an existential threat. And those countries, which contributed largely to global warming should not ignore the interests and the day-to-day life demands of countries, which are suffering from that. You did not contribute to global warming. We did not contribute. Our contribution is probably 0.001. But we are suffering, but you are suffering more. So, I can once again assure you that we will not only talk but we will act. We will work with our partners in order to provide for you with maximum tangible support as a result of COP29. And as far as we are concerned, we are ready to financially contribute to that."

This comment by President Aliyev highlights the importance of a fair approach to solving climate problems, especially for small island developing states that suffer from consequences to which they have contributed almost nothing. Azerbaijan, like many other countries, faces its own challenges related to climate change but recognizes that the vulnerability and immediate existential threat to these states require special attention and support. This approach reflects an understanding of the global responsibility and solidarity necessary to effectively address climate issues on a worldwide scale.

Azerbaijan's specific initiatives at COP29

As the chair of COP29, Azerbaijan intends to organize a high-level meeting of representatives from small island developing states. This will allow the formulation of concrete steps and measures to support them. Additionally, consultations with partners are already underway regarding practical and financial contributions to support these states.

These steps are part of a broader strategy by Azerbaijan to strengthen international cooperation in the fight against climate change. It is important to note that such initiatives require not only political will but also significant financial resources and technological solutions.

In the context of the escalating climate crisis, Azerbaijan's role in international efforts to support small island developing states is becoming particularly significant. COP29 will serve as an important platform for developing specific measures and strategies aimed at saving these countries. Azerbaijan, understanding the seriousness and urgency of the issue, is ready to take on leadership and provide comprehensive support to small island developing states that are on the front lines of the climate struggle.

All of this also indicates that Azerbaijan is capable of initiating solutions to global problems in the modern world. After all, the main issue for Azerbaijan—restoring territorial integrity—has been resolved.

Thus, Azerbaijan's efforts within the framework of COP29 can make a significant contribution to global efforts to combat climate change and preserve the unique ecosystems and cultures of small island developing states.