UN official: Baku to capture global focus during COP29

UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan, Vladanka Andreeva has said that the upcoming COP29 conference in Baku will attract global attention, and Azerbaijan is set to play a significant role in advancing climate initiatives.

Andreeva made the remarks at an event entitled “Paperless Government: Environmental Impact of Digitalisation and Innovation” in Baku, which is a part of the “29 Climate Conversations: The Road to COP29” Caliber.Az reports via local media.

During the event, Andreeva addressed the benefits of digital transformation, noting that moving towards digital documentation not only simplifies procedures but also helps in reducing paper usage, which in turn decreases deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions.

"We're not just cutting down on waste; we're also fostering a culture of responsible consumption," Andreeva highlighted.

With just 67 days remaining until COP29, the UN official noted that Baku will be under the global spotlight. "COP29 will address the most critical global initiatives. Azerbaijan’s hosting of this significant event clearly demonstrates its commitment to making an impact in climate action," she remarked.

Notably, COP29, the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), will be hosted in Azerbaijan on November 11-22, 2024. The conference aims to address and mitigate climate change impacts globally. Key topics will include adherence to the Paris Agreement, transitioning to alternative energy sources, and enhancing recycling and waste management practices.

Azerbaijan, a country experiencing significant climate-related challenges such as droughts and receding water levels in the Caspian Sea and Kura River, is using COP29 as a platform to draw attention to these issues. The event is expected to emphasize the need for substantial measures to combat climate change, increase the use of renewable energy, and improve waste management systems in Azerbaijan. The country has committed to boosting its use of alternative energy sources to 30% by 2030 and aims to enhance its recycling capabilities to reduce pollution.