Azerbaijani official on COP29 criticism: Fossil fuel debate shouldn’t undermine climate cooperation

Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan, addressed the criticism surrounding Azerbaijan’s hosting of COP29, especially due to its status as an oil-producing nation.

In his remarks to reporters, Hajiyev emphasized that Azerbaijan's hosting of COP29 should be seen in a broader context, Caliber.Az reports referencing local media.

"Almost all states, except Switzerland, are countries that produce fossil fuels in one form or another. When it comes to fossil fuels, where there is supply, there will be demand. Almost all member parties are consumers of fossil fuels," Hajiyev stated.

He criticized the "cheap, somewhat populist" approach, pointing out the essential role fossil fuels still play in the world economy. "Fossil fuels are an integral part of the existing world, and there are real needs for them. Of course, this has a negative impact on climate change, but to tackle this issue, we need cooperation, not irrelevant discussions," Hajiyev added. He also referenced past COP meetings held in countries with substantial fossil fuel industries, citing Poland as an example: "Poland today is one of the countries that produces the most coal in the world."

Hajiyev went on to express disappointment over the persistent anti-Azerbaijani propaganda that had surfaced during Azerbaijan's chairmanship of COP29, noting that such campaigns had been actively promoted, even by major Western media outlets.

COP29, which kicked off on November 11, marks the beginning of the highly anticipated World Leaders Summit on Climate Action on November 12. The summit is expected to feature around 80 heads of state and government who will engage in discussions on climate action strategies and commitments. The event, running until November 22, is the first COP conference hosted by Azerbaijan and is considered one of the largest and most prestigious climate summits globally.

Azerbaijan's leadership role in COP29 is a testament to the country's growing prominence in the fight against climate change. The country signed a Host Country Agreement and other significant documents with the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Secretariat, solidifying its position as a key player in global climate discussions.

The main goal of COP29 is to reach an agreement on the New Collective Quantitative Goal (NCQG) regarding climate finance. Additionally, the presidency of COP29 has introduced 14 important initiatives, which align climate action with the Sustainable Development Goals. These initiatives include efforts to establish green energy corridors, promote green energy storage, advance clean hydrogen, reduce methane emissions from organic waste, and develop green digital technologies. Another key initiative is the creation of a Climate Finance Action Fund, which aims to support the global effort to reduce carbon emissions and achieve the 1.5°C climate target.

Hajiyev further emphasized Azerbaijan's longstanding commitment to environmental protection and climate change mitigation, highlighting the country’s significant role in the global climate dialogue. As President Ilham Aliyev noted, Azerbaijan's selection as the host nation for COP29 is a clear reflection of the international community’s confidence and trust in the country’s dedication to combating climate change.

By Tamilla Hasanova