Moscow forum previews key topics for COP29 on climate finance, sustainability PHOTO

A forum dedicated to the upcoming 29th session of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) is currently taking place in Moscow. 

The event, which is being held at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), has brought together experts and officials to discuss global issues related to climate change and biodiversity protection in the context of climate change, as well as the development of a model for multilateral negotiations on climate topics, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

The first day of the forum centred on issues such as climate change mitigation and the role of sustainable financing for climate-focused projects. Vladimir Salamatov, Director of the Institute of International Trade and Sustainable Development at MGIMO, spoke about the event, highlighting that it is being modelled on COP29, which will take place in Baku in just a few days: "At this forum, we will discuss climate change prevention and simulate topics that will be addressed at COP29 in Baku. We will also discuss issues of climate change and sustainable financing for related projects."

Salamatov pointed out that the forum is not only attended by representatives of MGIMO but also by various other universities. Participants are contributing to the discussions on the agenda of COP29 and sharing their positions on key issues.

The outcomes of the forum will be presented to the Azerbaijani organisers of COP29 and to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).

Sergey Kononuchenko, the special envoy of the Russian Foreign Ministry on climate issues delivered a speech in which he highlighted that the main topic of discussion at COP29 will be climate finance. "There are still disagreements regarding the final resolution on this matter," he noted.

"Russia's position is that, in line with the Paris Agreement, funding should come from traditional donors and developed countries. No other signatory of the Paris Agreement has financial obligations in this regard. Western countries, of course, are trying to expand the list of countries that bear the responsibility for climate financing. Terms such as ‘gigantic greenhouse gas emitters’ and ‘countries with dynamically developing economies’ have been coined. Azerbaijan is also among the dynamically developing countries, and Russia agrees with Azerbaijan on this issue."

Kononuchenko emphasised that Russia advocates for the adherence to the Paris Agreement, stressing that efforts would be made to ensure that the commitments of developed countries towards climate financing are not ambiguous. "We aim to increase the funds allocated to climate change mitigation, as the $100 billion currently earmarked is insufficient," he added.

The Russian representative expressed his best wishes for Azerbaijan's successful hosting of COP29.

In his speech, Igbal Guliyev, Deputy Director of the International Institute of Energy Policy and Diplomacy at MGIMO, underlined the importance of such a large-scale event, organised with the initiative of Azerbaijani youth from the university, and the simulation of COP29.

"MGIMO has extensive experience in hosting similar events. The university has previously held events simulating UN conferences, OPEC meetings, and other international organisations. I would also like to note that the recommendations from the forum will be prepared and sent to the COP29 Secretariat in Azerbaijan," Guliyev said.

On the second day of the forum, the role of business in tackling climate change will be discussed. Recommendations and other final documents are expected to be presented on November 7.

By Aghakazim Guliyev