COP29 insights: Togo thanks Baku Initiative Group for advocacy on post-colonial issues

Koku Selom Agbavito, head of Togo’s civil society organization and participant at COP29 in Baku, has announced the launch of a project to revitalise agriculture in Togo. 

This initiative seeks to address systemic challenges linked to land appropriation and the lasting impacts of colonialism on the country's agricultural sector, Caliber.Az reports, citing Azertag.

Speaking at the conference, Agbavito highlighted the plight of Togo's population, stating, "The people of Togo suffer from the lingering effects of colonization. When we raise concerns about land grabbing, we are told that Togo is free from colonial rule. But we need land to grow grains and engage in meaningful agriculture."

Agbavito emphasized the paradox of Togo’s agricultural exports: while the country produces cocoa and coffee for international markets, these products are scarcely consumed domestically. He argued that genuine freedom for Togo involves reclaiming its agricultural self-reliance.

He also expressed gratitude to the Baku Initiative Group, "This is a platform that I find interesting. I am sure that the Togo community will be very happy to know that there is at least one organisation that is bringing their voice to the international community."

Notably, COP29 officially started in Azerbaijan on November 11 and will run through November 22. The decision to host COP29 in Azerbaijan, a country with extensive experience in organizing international events, was made during the plenary session of COP28 in Dubai on December 11, 2023. 

As part of the conference, Baku currently hosts 70,000 and 80,000 international guests, including leaders from governments, businesses, and civil society, all working together to find tangible solutions to the record-high global temperatures and extreme weather events that are affecting people worldwide.

A central focus of COP29 is finance, as trillions of dollars are needed for countries to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect lives and livelihoods from the growing impacts of climate change.

The conference also serves as a critical moment for nations to present their updated national climate action plans under the Paris Agreement, which are due by early 2025. If implemented correctly, these plans will help limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, while also serving as investment strategies that support the Sustainable Development Goals.

By Khagan Isayev