UN official: Azerbaijan’s COP29 presidency marks historic step in global climate finance

Azerbaijani government has been preparing for COP29 at the highest level for some time, said Bosnia and Herzegovina’s permanent representative to the UN and former Prime Minister, Zlatko Lagumdžija. 

According to Lagumdžija, Azerbaijan's hosting of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change marks a historic milestone, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

The diplomat highlighted that one of the key topics of discussion at COP29 will be climate finance, an area in which great expectations are placed on Azerbaijan.

"Remarkably, under the leadership of the appointed COP29 President, Mukhtar Babayev, successful negotiations and meetings have already taken place. We are confident that significant progress will be made on climate finance under Azerbaijan’s chairmanship of the conference," Lagumdžija noted.

He also pointed out that COP29’s agenda is extensive and rich with various initiatives. "Discussions are expected on topics such as healthcare, education, innovation, science, technology, the involvement of women in climate action, gender issues, and more. It’s crucial to analyse the prospects of each initiative."

Lagumdžija emphasised that one of the key distinguishing features of COP29 is the broader involvement of stakeholders.

"This event will see participation from numerous non-governmental organisations, the business community, and other entities. It is already known that leaders and representatives from over 100 countries will be attending COP29. Everyone understands that if urgent climate action is not taken, the consequences will be dire and will affect all sectors," he concluded.

By Aghakazim Guliyev