UN stance on COP29: Endorsement of Azerbaijan's priority issues

Jennifer Baumwall, a specialist from the UN Development Programme's Bureau for Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction, expressed strong support for Azerbaijan's agenda within COP29 during an interview with the Report's European bureau.

"We are committed to closely collaborating with Azerbaijan during its COP29 presidency," Baumwall affirmed. She highlighted the UN Development Programme's focus on financial and trade matters, emphasizing their readiness to assist member countries according to Azerbaijan's proposed priorities.

Liwa Kaugure, a natural resources expert at the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, echoed this sentiment: "We endorse Azerbaijan's priority issues," she stated. "Our objective is to aid nations in addressing food scarcity, an area Azerbaijan has identified as crucial. We stand prepared to work closely with Azerbaijan throughout its COP29 chairmanship, promoting public involvement in this vital initiative."

Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, will host the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 29) for the first time in the region from November 11–22, 2024. The decision was made at the plenary session of COP28 on December 11. Azerbaijan successfully participated in the COP28 held in Abu Dhabi last year.

Azerbaijan will take the opportunity to bring heads of state and governments, civil society organisations, business, and international institutions together in the South Caucasus to discuss climate change, measures to accelerate the implementation of the Paris Agreement, and focus on long-term climate strategies and goals.