COP29: Parliamentary meeting kicks off in Baku with 92 delegations

The parliamentary meeting of the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) officially began today, November 16, in Baku.

The event, organized jointly by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan, brings together a diverse group of delegates from across the globe, Caliber.Az reports citing local media.

The meeting is attended by 92 delegations representing 66 countries and international organizations, with nearly 330 participants, including 167 members of parliament. Among them are 12 speakers and vice-speakers of parliaments. A series of bilateral meetings are also scheduled to take place alongside the parliamentary sessions.

"Hosting COP29 in Azerbaijan underscores the country’s strong resolve and dedication to addressing climate change," said Sahiba Gafarova, Chairperson of the Milli Majlis, speaking at the parliamentary meeting in the COP29 Green Zone.

Gafarova emphasized that climate change affects every country, including Azerbaijan. "In recent decades, Azerbaijan has been facing extreme heat, water shortages, a decline in the Caspian Sea level, and flooding," she noted.

She highlighted that Azerbaijan has taken proactive steps in response, demonstrating leadership and determination through voluntary commitments and the integration of the green agenda into national development plans. The country has also launched renewable energy projects and established green energy zones as part of its climate strategy.

The Speaker of the Parliament further emphasized the crucial role of legislation in climate action. “Climate change is a global challenge that transcends national borders and requires collective effort," Gafarova stated. "As the crisis deepens, addressing the adverse effects becomes more challenging. I believe it’s essential to enhance legislation in this area, encourage governments to take stronger actions and hold them accountable to fulfil their climate commitments."

COP29, which is being held at Baku Stadium from November 11 to 22, is Azerbaijan’s largest and most significant international event to date. This marks the first time the country has hosted a COP conference. The summit opened with the signing of the Host Country Agreement, as well as other pivotal documents between the Azerbaijani government and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat.

A major focus of COP29 is the establishment of a New Collective Quantitative Goal (NCQG) for climate finance. To advance this objective, the presidency of COP29 has introduced 14 key initiatives that integrate climate action with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These initiatives cover a wide range of critical areas, including the development of green energy corridors, energy storage solutions, climate resilience strategies, clean hydrogen, methane reduction from organic waste, and the promotion of green digital technologies. A highlight of the conference is the proposal to establish the Climate Finance Action Fund, which aims to support efforts to limit global warming to 1.5°C.

Throughout the event, Azerbaijan has reaffirmed its commitment to climate action and environmental protection. The unanimous decision to select Azerbaijan as the host of this summit reflects the global community's confidence in the country’s leadership on climate issues. In his opening address, President Ilham Aliyev underscored Azerbaijan’s central role in global climate efforts, reiterating the country’s dedication to tackling climate change and promoting sustainable development.

By Tamilla Hasanova