COP29: Science, tech, and innovation take centre stage

Today marks Science, Technology, and Innovation Day at COP29, a pivotal occasion for showcasing the critical role of innovation in the fight against climate change.

Organised by Azerbaijan's Ministry of Digital Development and Transport, along with other tech and innovation-focused organizations, the day's events are set to highlight cutting-edge solutions that can help drive climate action, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

COP29, being held at Baku Stadium from November 11 to 22, is Azerbaijan's largest international summit to date, and it also represents the first time the country has hosted a COP conference. The opening of the summit saw the signing of the Host Country Agreement and other key documents between the Azerbaijani government and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat, underscoring the country's commitment to global climate goals.

A key theme throughout COP29 is the creation of a fair and ambitious New Collective Quantitative Goal (NCQG) for climate finance, aimed at mobilizing resources to support climate action globally. To advance this goal, the presidency of COP29 has introduced 14 innovative initiatives that align climate action with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These initiatives cover a broad range of topics, from green energy corridors and energy storage solutions to clean hydrogen production, methane reduction from organic waste, and the development of green digital technologies.

One standout proposal is the Climate Finance Action Fund, which aims to support the ambitious target of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. This initiative underscores the importance of financial mechanisms in scaling up climate action and ensuring that the transition to a low-carbon economy is both equitable and effective.

Throughout the summit, Azerbaijan has shown its dedication to climate action and environmental protection. The unanimous decision to select Azerbaijan as the host for COP29 speaks to the global community's trust in the country's leadership on climate issues. In his opening address, President Ilham Aliyev highlighted Azerbaijan’s critical role in the international climate movement, reiterating the nation's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and advancing sustainable development. With the spotlight on innovation today, COP29 provides a powerful platform for exploring how technology and creative solutions can help us meet the climate challenges of the future.

By Tamilla Hasanova