COP29 NGO Coalition hails Azerbaijan's leadership, calls for continued climate action, Global South unity

The COP29 NGO Coalition issued a statement on the "Baku Breakthrough," applauding Azerbaijan for its effective organization of COP29 and the significant achievements made under its presidency.

The Coalition, representing nearly 500 civil society organizations from over 100 countries, expressed its congratulations to Azerbaijan for successfully hosting the conference, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

The statement highlighted key outcomes, including the establishment of new climate finance mechanisms, the operationalization of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, and the launch of the Loss and Damage Fund, all considered crucial milestones in global climate action.

With 84 per cent of the Coalition’s members representing civil society groups from least developed and developing countries, the statement acknowledged the challenges and intense negotiations required to reach these agreements. While the financial contributions outlined in the climate finance document were seen as lower than desired, the Coalition recognized the agreement as a historic achievement. The call for increased funding included in the document was viewed as a vital reference for future COP negotiations.

“We believe that achieving this agreement is the result of collective efforts and marks a historic moment for Baku,” the statement read. “We are confident that the call for increased funding will serve as a crucial reference point for future negotiations within the COP process.”

The COP29 NGO Coalition, formed through the Azerbaijan National NGO Forum’s initiative earlier this year, has seen significant growth during the conference, including the inclusion of organizations with special observer status at COP. The Coalition has fostered an inclusive environment for NGOs from the Global South, providing them an opportunity to participate in COP29 and ensuring continued engagement in future climate actions.

In addition to the COP29 NGO Coalition’s work, Azerbaijan’s NGOs received strong support from their international counterparts. On November 15, 2024, an international conference on South-South cooperation for NGOs from Non-Aligned Movement countries was held on the sidelines of COP29. The conference culminated in a joint statement on the role of NGOs in advancing climate action through South-South cooperation, signed by 1,023 NGO representatives and public activists from 137 countries. This marked the first time that civil society institutions from regions covering 71 per cent of the world supported an initiative from Azerbaijani NGOs.

Ramil Isgandarli, Chairman of the Board of the Azerbaijan National NGO Forum, stated that Azerbaijan’s policies have garnered widespread approval in the Global South, positioning the country as an emerging leader in the region. Isgandarli further emphasized that the time has come to establish a Global South NGO Platform to amplify the voices of civil society in climate action.

The COP29 NGO Coalition has made it clear that it will remain active beyond the conference, continuing its efforts to strengthen global climate action and carry forward the legacy of COP29.

By Vafa Guliyeva