UK ambassador praises Azerbaijan’s preparation for COP29

Azerbaijan has done "extraordinary" work in preparing for the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, with its leadership playing a crucial role in the success of the event, UK Ambassador to Azerbaijan Fergus Auld said.

Speaking to the Azerbaijani office of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Auld commended Azerbaijan's efforts since December last year, noting that the country had undertaken a monumental task in preparing for the climate summit, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

He emphasized that supporting Azerbaijan in hosting COP29 has been the British Embassy’s top priority in 2023.

“Azerbaijan has done an amazing job in preparing for COP29 since last December, starting from scratch. The UK had two years to prepare for COP26 in Glasgow, but Azerbaijan's chairmanship has been impressive in showing initiative, listening to the parties, and adapting quickly,” Auld said.

The Ambassador also highlighted the UK’s commitment to a clean energy transition, noting that the country had recently taken a significant step by closing its last coal-fired power station on September 30. Auld remarked that the UK is now the first major economy to fully move away from coal.

"We became the first major economy in the world to move away from coal by closing the last coal-fired power station. At COP29, we are sharing further details on our climate action efforts to meet the 1.5-degree target. We want every country to contribute,” he added.

Auld emphasized the UK’s ongoing efforts to unlock climate finance for developing countries, reduce global emissions, and support adaptation to climate change. The UK remains committed to driving global climate action, particularly through collaborative efforts at COP29, which will focus on tackling the climate crisis and ensuring sustainable development worldwide.

By Vafa Guliyeva