UN agency: COP29 - crucial platform for climate action, sustainable development

COP29 serves as a crucial platform for fulfilling climate change commitments while promoting the creation of a sustainable economy that fosters green jobs, enhances societal well-being, and contributes to long-term stability.

The statement was voiced by Ciyong Zou, Deputy to the Director General and the Managing Director of the Directorate of Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Industrial Development at the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in Baku, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

During a high-level session on innovations for tackling climate change and promoting sustainable development, held in Baku on November 11 as part of COP29, Zou expressed inspiration from the progress being made in the city.

“We are inspired by the steps being taken here in Baku and the focus on securing financing for climate change mitigation and advancing the ambitious action plan under the COP29 presidency. UNIDO is committed to contributing to initiatives in energy storage, green energy, hydrogen corridors, and utilisation, by promoting sustainable industrial practices that align with the broader climate agenda,” he remarked.

He also urged all stakeholders to collaborate, saying, “I look forward to your ideas. Working together for a sustainable future will undoubtedly play a key role in achieving our set goals.”

Notably, the 29th session of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) has begun in Baku, Azerbaijan, marking one of the largest global climate events to date. The official opening ceremony is being held at Baku Stadium. Running from November 11-22, this is the first time Azerbaijan has hosted COP and the first such event in the region.

Key discussions at COP29 will focus on reaching an agreement on a fair and ambitious new collective quantitative goal (NCQG) for climate financing. The Global Climate Action Summit, set for November 12-13, will also be a highlight.

Azerbaijan's presidency has introduced 14 initiatives, addressing topics like green energy corridors, clean hydrogen, methane reduction, and green digital technologies. One key initiative is the establishment of a Climate Financing Action Fund, which aims to support the global effort to meet the 1.5°C climate commitment.

By Aghakazim Guliyev