Mexico hosts another pre-COP29 event green Development on agenda / PHOTO

At a recent pre-COP29 climate action event in Mexico, organized by the Mexican Climate Initiative, Azerbaijan's Ambassador to Mexico, Mammad Talibov, spoke on Azerbaijan’s selection as the host for COP29, set to kick off on November 11.

Ambassador Talibov expressed pride in this opportunity, highlighting it as a testament to Azerbaijan’s leadership in climate action at national, regional, and global levels, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

Talibov outlined Azerbaijan’s commitment to “green” development, a top national priority in his address. He noted that the current year has been declared the "Year of Solidarity for a Green World" in Azerbaijan. As a regional leader in transitioning to green energy, Azerbaijan has invested significantly in green projects across the country in recent years.

The ambassador highlighted the nation's plans for smart cities and villages in the liberated territories, and shared the goal of transforming the Karabakh, East Zangezur economic zones, and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic into zero-emission zones by 2050. By 2030, Azerbaijan aims for at least 30% of its installed energy capacity to come from renewable sources.

The ambassador underscored climate change's urgent and universal nature, which transcends borders and affects every nation. He emphasised the necessity of international cooperation to effectively address this global challenge. As part of Azerbaijan’s presidency at COP29, the country has launched several initiatives focused on advancing climate action, encouraging active stakeholder involvement, and raising ambitions to combat climate change.

Additionally, Ambassador Talibov invited government and non-governmental organisations alike to join the global initiatives being advanced by Azerbaijan’s COP29 presidency, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in fostering climate resilience.

The 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) will be held in Azerbaijan from 11 to 22 November. This decision, made at COP28 in Dubai on 11 December 2023, presents a crucial opportunity to accelerate global climate action. Over two weeks, Baku is set to host 70,000 to 80,000 international guests, including leaders from government, business, and civil society, working to develop solutions to extreme weather and record-high global temperatures.

A core focus of COP29 will be climate finance, with trillions required to cut emissions and shield communities from the mounting impacts of climate change. The conference will also offer a vital forum for nations to present their updated climate action plans under the Paris Agreement, due by early 2025. These plans aim to cap global warming at 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, while simultaneously promoting progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.

By Khagan Isayev