COP29: UK pledges to aid Azerbaijan’s climate initiatives, calls for greater funding equity

The United Kingdom has expressed its support for Azerbaijan's climate initiatives, according to Anneliese Dodds, UK Minister of State for Development, speaking at the high-level "Climate and Peace" group meeting during COP29.

Minister Dodds highlighted the UK’s eagerness to assist in the development of a new Baku Hub, Caliber.Az reports referring to local media.

"We eagerly anticipate the establishment of the new Baku Hub and the network of nations designed to assist those in need in finding partners and securing increased funding for climate change mitigation," Dodds stated.

She also highlighted the urgent need for greater global investment in climate action, pointing out, "Over the last decade, the ten most affected countries have received only $2 million – just 1% of the total global climate financing."

Dodds’ remarks emphasise the UK’s commitment to enhancing international cooperation to tackle climate change and support vulnerable nations in their efforts to adapt to its impacts.

Meanwhile, at COP29, the United Kingdom’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Fergus Auld, reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to directing climate funding to those most impacted by climate change. Auld emphasised the importance of prioritising resources for the most vulnerable, isolated, and affected populations, highlighting the significant turnout at the conference.

He also shared that a new national climate commitment from the UK would be presented by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak later in the day, underscoring the country’s dedication to addressing climate challenges. Auld noted the presence of top UK officials, including the Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary, and Minister for Energy, marking the second day of the conference as significant.

The Climate Action Network International (CAN) called for an annual climate financing target of $5 trillion, supported by over 1,300 NGOs. CAN's Executive Director, Tasneem Essop, criticised wealthy nations for prioritising military funding over climate action and urged them to fulfil their financial obligations to the Global South. Mohamed Adow, Director of Power Shift Africa, echoed these concerns, stressing that developed nations must increase funding for green transitions in developing countries.

By Aghakazim Guliyev