Pope Francis emphasizes COP29 role in global climate justice

In an annual meeting with the heads of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See, Pope Francis underscored the importance of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, which was recently held in Baku.

Pope Francis emphasized that significant decisions were made at COP29, particularly the allocation of financial resources aimed at combating the effects of climate change, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

He expressed confidence that these measures would help redistribute resources to the countries most affected by the climate crisis, many of which are burdened by immense economic debt.

The Pontiff further called on wealthier nations to forgive the debts of poorer countries, emphasizing that such actions are not merely acts of solidarity or generosity, but, more importantly, a matter of justice in light of the growing inequality between the global North and South.

The meeting also included the presence of Azerbaijani Ambassador to the Vatican, Ilgar Mukhtarov.

COP29 took place in Baku in November 2024. The summit, chaired by Azerbaijan's Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Mukhtar Babayev, saw significant achievements. These included the finalization of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, facilitating transparent carbon markets projected to save $250 billion annually for climate action.

Additionally, over $730 million was pledged to the Loss and Damage Fund to support vulnerable nations, with project financing set to begin this year. A new climate finance target of $300 billion annually by 2035 was also established, along with the launch of the Baku Global Climate Transparency Platform to assist developing countries.

By Vafa Guliyeva