COP29: Deputy FM Rafiev calls for climate resilience through education, healthcare investments

Yalchin Rafiev, Azerbaijan's Deputy Foreign Minister, called for increased investment in human capital to address the pressing challenges of global warming during a joint session on "The Baku Initiative for Human Development to Ensure Climate Resilience" at COP29.

Rafiev highlighted that climate change impacts all aspects of life, including healthcare, education, labour markets, and opportunities for future generations, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

"Investments in human capital must begin from the earliest stages of life," he said. "Empowering children and youth through improved education, healthcare, and skill development should be a part of a sustainable society. These investments must not only enhance resilience but also contribute to mitigating the effects of climate change. This will prepare the future workforce for the demands of a 'green economy,' as well as help reduce the climate impacts of education and healthcare systems."

In his address, Rafiev also urged countries to accelerate the completion of their Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs) by the end of the year.

"We are at a critical juncture in implementing enhanced transparency frameworks. By the end of this year, parties must submit their first biennial transparency reports. We recognise and commend the efforts of parties who are committed to timely submission of their enhanced transparency frameworks (ETFs), and urge all parties to work towards submitting their BTRs by December 31, 2024," Rafiev stated.

According to Rafiev, transparency is a cornerstone of collective efforts to tackle climate change, essential for strengthening mutual trust between parties. "The enhanced transparency frameworks (ETFs) under the Paris Agreement enable us to track progress in achieving our collective goals, build trust, and identify areas for accelerating action," he explained.

"The submission of BTRs marks a critical moment in the effective use and implementation of ETFs, and we extend our deepest gratitude to those countries that have already submitted their reports. We would like to acknowledge this important milestone by presenting certificates of BTR champions to these parties."

Rafiev further expressed that COP29's presidency aims to provide developing countries with the necessary support and resources to prepare and submit their reports on time. He also pointed to the launch of the Baku Climate Transparency Platform as a key step in facilitating the effective implementation of ETFs, strengthening mutual trust, and assisting developing nations in preparing and submitting their reports.

The platform will also promote the exchange of experiences and lessons learned, creating a network of stakeholders with the potential to assist in BTR preparations.

"I look forward to working together and making progress on BTRs during and beyond our presidency," Rafiev concluded.

By Aghakazim Guliyev