Mukhtar Babayev elected COP29 president as climate talks begin in Baku

Mukhtar Babayev, Azerbaijan's Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, has been elected president of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

The announcement was made by Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, the president of COP28, who officially handed over the leadership of the session to Babayev, Caliber.Az reports.

In his speech, Babayev expressed his pleasure in hosting COP29 in Baku, welcoming participants to the event and underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts to address global climate challenges.

In his opening remarks at the session, Mukhtar Babayev, emphasized the urgency of addressing global climate issues.

“We must solve these problems urgently,” he stated, acknowledging the challenges ahead. “There is much to be done, and the negotiations over the next 12 days will be difficult, but it is essential to bridge the differences.”

Babayev also recognized the political and financial constraints many countries face but reassured that the investments made in climate action will ultimately prove worthwhile. "We understand the challenges, but these investments will pay off," he concluded.

The President of COP29, expressed his gratitude to the countries and non-governmental organizations participating in the conference.

“Welcome to Azerbaijan and to COP29. We are not only eager to showcase Azerbaijan’s hospitality but also its rich natural beauty,” he said.

Babayev emphasized the urgent need for decisive action on climate change, citing the concerning rise in global temperatures. “Environmental data shows that global temperatures have already risen by 3°C. This signals a catastrophe,” he said. “People on different continents are already suffering the consequences, and they are waiting for us to take concrete steps.”

He outlined the primary objective for COP29: to increase ambition and strengthen climate action. “Our plan is to raise our ambition, increase funding, and attract additional investments,” Babayev explained. “The key issue is to boost collective efforts that will have a meaningful impact. We're talking about hundreds of billions of dollars in investment.”

With only 11 days left for the negotiations, Babayev acknowledged that the discussions would be challenging but stressed that the goal must remain clear: the results must serve the interests of the planet as a whole, not just individual countries. “To save money tomorrow, we must attract investment today,” he said.

He also highlighted the importance of reaching an agreement on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which focuses on carbon markets, and called for progress on providing developing nations with the necessary technologies to combat climate change. “It’s not just about funding; it’s about providing the technologies that will save lives in vulnerable countries,” Babayev said.

“Only then can we achieve our ultimate goal. We must remember that this is our final opportunity,” he added.

As the conference unfolds, the Green Zone in Baku has become a vibrant hub for discussions and initiatives focused on climate action. The first events kicked off with a notable presentation by Catherine Batley, representative of Extreme Hangout, highlighting that EXH@COP29 is an official platform within the Green Zone.

Batley highlighted the exciting partnership opportunities available for organizations committed to tackling the climate crisis, stressing that The Extreme Hangout aims to foster collaboration among youth innovators to propose sustainable solutions and influence the global climate agenda.

The Green Zone at COP29 will host a series of workshops and sessions from November 11 to 22, with a focus on pressing climate issues such as water scarcity in the region, renewable energy innovations, nature conservation, and biodiversity. Other key topics to be addressed include ocean ecosystem protection, sustainable resource management, community empowerment, and the global responsibility to ensure a sustainable future for all.

By Vafa Guliyeva