COP29 presidency outlines ambitious agenda focused on climate finance

COP-29 President-Designate Mukhtar Babayev has sent a letter to COP-29 participants emphasising the need to prioritise cooperation and tackle climate change despite increasing geopolitical tensions and global uncertainty.

“Climate change is the paramount transnational challenge of the century,” Babayev wrote in the letter, Caliber.Az reports citing the local media.

In this communication to the global community, the plan and objectives for the annual climate summit are detailed.

Babayev emphasised that COP29 will serve as a crucial assessment of the Paris Agreement and worldwide efforts to address climate change.

He outlined the fundamental principles guiding the COP29 presidency and discussed initiatives aimed at enhancing the ambition of new climate targets.

"In our consultations during the COP29 Presidency, we have articulated our vision centered on two main pillars: increasing ambition and fostering the conditions for action, with a primary focus on climate finance," the letter stated.

"These pillars complement each other—advancements in one area bolster progress in the other. Effective execution of key mandates and initiatives will significantly contribute to building trust, solidarity, and momentum," the letter continued.

The letter also highlighted that the COP29 Presidency will continue to actively collaborate with all participants, expressing optimism for a successful upcoming session.

Baku will host the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29).

A group of Eastern European countries has chosen Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, to host COP29 climate talks next year.

Earlier, Bulgaria withdrew its candidacy to host the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in favour of Azerbaijan.

Moreover, Baku and Yerevan agreed to support each other at some international venues. In a joint statement, Armenia said it would support Azerbaijan's bid to host the COP29 summit.

The conference is being held in rotation by five UN regional groups, and Eastern Europe will take part next year.