Parliament speaker calls out political bias and disinformation targeting Azerbaijan ahead of COP29

Azerbaijan has faced biased accusations, double standards, and disinformation campaigns from certain states and media platforms in the lead-up to the COP29 climate conference, according to Sahiba Gafarova, Speaker of the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan.

Speaking at the Parliamentary Meeting in the Green Zone of COP29, Gafarova emphasized that such actions came from a small group of parliaments and inter-parliamentary organizations in specific countries, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

She remarked: “It is clear that some have forgotten the power of dialogue, cooperation, and solidarity in the face of common challenges. On the other hand, they still fail to realize that the issue of climate change, due to its critical importance, cannot be a platform for pursuing narrow interests or politically motivated agendas.”

Despite these challenges, Gafarova expressed confidence that COP29 had successfully commenced and continues to make progress, saying, “Despite these unpleasant incidents, COP29 has successfully started and continues to work.”

The Speaker also highlighted that hosting COP29 is a clear testament to Azerbaijan’s determination and commitment to tackling climate change. "Azerbaijan is fully aware that climate change affects all nations, including our own," she stated, citing examples of the country's struggles with extreme heat, water shortages, a declining Caspian Sea level, and floods in recent decades.

“Azerbaijan has shown confidence and determination by making voluntary commitments, integrating the green agenda into our national development programs, implementing renewable energy projects, and establishing green energy zones," Gafarova added.

Gafarova reaffirmed the role of Azerbaijan’s Parliament in supporting climate action, underscoring the need for collective global efforts to combat the climate crisis: “Climate change is a massive problem for humanity that transcends national borders and requires global cooperation. As the climate crisis deepens, addressing its negative impacts becomes increasingly difficult. I believe it is crucial that we improve legislation in this area, encourage governments to act more decisively, and hold them accountable to fulfil their commitments.”

By Tamilla Hasanova