From all corners of the world: Leaders arrive in Azerbaijan to tackle climate change at COP29 PHOTO

Leaders from around the world have begun arriving in Azerbaijan for the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), which officially opens on November 11, 2024. This high-profile event, hosted in Baku, brings together global figures from diverse sectors, including heads of state, ministers, and international organizations, all gathered to tackle the pressing issue of climate change. 

On November 10, Prime Minister of Niue Dalton Emani Makamau Tagelagi landed in Azerbaijan to participate in the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29). 

Upon arrival at Heydar Aliyev International Airport, he was warmly received by Azerbaijani Culture Minister Adil Kerimli and other dignitaries, Caliber.Az reports.

The Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Mathias Cormann, also arrived in Azerbaijan on the same day. He was welcomed by Mammad Ahmadzada, Head of the Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alongside other officials.

Additionally, Vice President of Burundi Prosper Bazombanza arrived to attend the climate conference. Justice Minister Farid Ahmedov and other representatives greeted him at Heydar Aliyev International Airport.

Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne also arrived on November 10 for COP29. Azerbaijan's Science and Education Minister Emin Amrullayev and a team of officials were present to receive him.

Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh joined the list of global leaders arriving in Azerbaijan for the significant climate session. Azerbaijani Health Minister Teymur Musayev and other officials welcomed him at Heydar Aliyev International Airport.

Further emphasizing the event's high profile, Chairman of the Presidium of Bosnia and Herzegovina Denis Bećirović, along with Presidium member Željka Cvijanović, landed in Azerbaijan. They were greeted by Science and Education Minister Emin Amrullayev, Azerbaijani Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina Vilayat Guliyev, and other delegates.

President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Masatsugu Asakawa, also arrived on November 10. Mammad Ahmadzada from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other officials extended a warm reception at the airport.

President of Ghana Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was among the distinguished leaders arriving on November 10. Justice Minister Farid Ahmadov and accompanying officials welcomed the Ghanaian President at Heydar Aliyev International Airport.

Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bhutan, Tshering Tobgay, also arrived in Azerbaijan to take part in the conference. He was greeted at Heydar Aliyev International Airport by Azerbaijan's Science and Education Minister, Emin Amrullayev, along with other officials.

In addition, the Chairman of the Council of Muslim Elders and Sheikh of Al-Azhar, Supreme Imam Ahmed Al-Tayeb, also arrived in Azerbaijan on November 10 for COP29. A distinguished religious leader was received by Ramin Mammadov, Chairman of the State Committee for Work with Religious Structures, and a group of officials at the airport.

The 29th session of COP29 officially begins today, November 11, in Azerbaijan, marking an important international gathering. Azerbaijan was selected to host COP29 during the COP28 plenary session in Dubai on December 11, 2023. The conference will run from November 11 to 22, bringing approximately 70,000 foreign participants to the Azerbaijani capital.

November 11 marks the opening day, while the high-level World Leaders' Summit on Climate Action will take place on November 12-13, featuring speeches from around 80 heads of state and government. These addresses will continue on November 13.

Since its inception in 1995, the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change has been a critical forum for global discussions on climate progress. Key historical moments include deliberations on the Kyoto Protocol's legally binding emissions obligations and the adoption of the Paris Agreement in 2015. To date, 195 nations, including Azerbaijan, have committed to the Paris Agreement, reinforcing global efforts to combat climate change.

By Tamilla Hasanova