Minister: Azerbaijan to call for global unity at COP29 to build "green world"

Azerbaijan will appeal to nations for collective action and solidarity in the pursuit of a "green world" at COP29, according to Mukhtar Babayev, the President of COP29 and Azerbaijan’s Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources.

He announced the commitments during the COP29 Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Summit, Caliber.Az reports citing local media.

Babayev highlighted that as part of Azerbaijan's COP29 presidency, delegations have engaged in outreach to various countries. "We have carefully developed the agenda for this conference and are committed to ensuring its balanced execution at COP29," he stated. "Our focus remains on addressing the challenges faced by developing nations. Additionally, we have established partnerships with international financial institutions, emphasizing the need to restore equity in climate financing."

He stressed that Azerbaijan, recognizing the current global challenges, has created a comprehensive action plan and has approached the Green Climate Fund for support. "We have reached significant agreements and presented a forward-looking agenda to global leaders. At COP29, we will discuss these pressing issues and call for worldwide solidarity for a green future," Babayev declared.

COP29, taking place from November 11 to 22 at Baku Stadium, represents Azerbaijan’s most prominent international event to date and is the first COP summit held in the region. Throughout the event, key agreements, including a Host Country Agreement, were signed between Azerbaijan’s government and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Secretariat.

The summit features the high-profile World Leaders' Summit on Climate Action on November 12-13. The central objective of COP29 is to establish a just and ambitious New Collective Quantitative Goal (NCQG) for climate finance.

The Azerbaijani COP29 Presidency has launched 14 strategic initiatives that connect climate action with the Sustainable Development Goals. These include projects focused on green energy corridors, advanced energy storage, climate resilience, clean hydrogen, organic waste methane reduction, and green digital technologies. Among the proposed measures is the formation of a Climate Finance Action Fund.

Ensuring the establishment of climate finance mechanisms is crucial for achieving the 1.5°C target, which remains a top priority for Azerbaijan. The country has demonstrated a strong commitment to environmental protection and climate change mitigation.

Azerbaijan’s unanimous selection as the COP29 host by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties reflects international respect and confidence in the nation. President Ilham Aliyev affirmed that this honour signifies global trust in Azerbaijan’s leadership and capabilities.

By Tamilla Hasanova