Georgian PM heads to Baku for COP29, set for key talks with President Aliyev

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze will travel to Baku to participate in the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), which kicks off on November 11, 2024.

During his visit, Kobakhidze is set to attend various conference sessions and engage in discussions with international partners on climate policy and sustainable development, Caliber.Az reports citing Georgian media.

Additionally, he plans to hold a bilateral meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. The talks will cover a broad range of topics, including enhancing cooperation between Georgia and Azerbaijan, as well as opportunities to expand economic and trade relations. A key focus will be on environmental issues and energy security, both of which are particularly relevant in the context of climate change.

COP29, running from November 11 to 22, is expected to bring together global leaders and climate advocates from around the world. Azerbaijan's successful bid to host the event was secured during the COP28 plenary session in December 2023, with strong support from Eastern European nations. The conference is anticipated to draw approximately 80,000 participants, including high-ranking government officials and state representatives.

Ahead of the conference, Azerbaijan has declared 2024 as the "Green World Solidarity Year," a bold initiative aimed at fostering global collaboration to address the climate crisis. The conference will focus on two main pillars: raising ambition and enabling action, with an emphasis on transparent national climate plans and mobilizing the financial resources needed to turn ambitious climate goals into concrete actions, such as reducing emissions and addressing climate change impacts.

In a significant move, Azerbaijan has also launched a $1 billion Climate Finance Action Fund (CFAF), with contributions from fossil fuel-producing countries and companies. Half of the fund will be directed towards climate projects in developing nations, prioritizing clean energy, energy efficiency, and enhancing the resilience of vulnerable communities.

Adding to the spirit of global cooperation, the COP29 Presidency has introduced the "COP Truce Appeal," calling for peace and reconciliation alongside climate action.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has highlighted the historic importance of hosting COP29, calling it a vital platform for uniting efforts to combat the climate crisis. He reaffirmed Azerbaijan's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 35% by 2030 and 40% by 2050, in line with the Paris Agreement.

By Tamilla Hasanova