Azerbaijan to Host COP-29, Unveiling All-Inclusive Forum for Climate Consensus

Islamabad - May 12, 2024 (Adnan Hameed): The Minister for Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan and President-Designate of COP-29, Mukhtar Babayev, announced today the forthcoming convening of COP-29 in Baku, marking a significant milestone in the global effort to combat climate change. Addressing the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) seminar titled “Seminar on Building Climate Consensus for COP29: The Road to BAKU,” Minister Babayev emphasized the importance of creating an all-inclusive platform for countries worldwide to engage in constructive dialogue on pressing climate issues. The COP-29 meeting aims to foster debates on adaptation plans, the biennial transparency report (BTR), and concerted mitigation efforts. Minister Babayev highlighted the uphill task of gathering all parties to achieve consensus-based decisions at COP-29. He underscored the critical matters to be addressed, including the mobilization of the loss and damage fund and Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. Additionally, discussions will encompass diverse aspects such as climate finance, land degradation, plastic waste, agriculture, food security, and health issues, recognizing the interconnectivity of these sectors with climate action. Azerbaijan's top priority, Minister Babayev emphasized, is amplifying the voices of vulnerable countries. He stressed that regional and international cooperation is essential to formulate appropriate measures and strategies to mitigate climate extremes. Furthermore, Minister Babayev announced Azerbaijan's initiative to organize training workshops for capacity building in developing countries to prepare their national adaptation plans. Notably, countries will submit biennial transparency reports to the UNFCCC for the first time. In addition to discussions on the mobilization of the loss and damage fund, Minister Babayev highlighted the importance of fostering strong civil society consultations. Azerbaijani climate champions will engage in sessions with Pakistani counterparts to share initiatives promoting smart and green skills. Renewable energy transition is a cornerstone of Azerbaijan's climate agenda, with the government committed to facilitating implementation and dialogue on shifting towards renewable energy sources. Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Climate Change, Romina Khurshid Alam, expressed Pakistan's unwavering support for Azerbaijan in hosting COP-29. She emphasized Pakistan's commitment to collaboration for mutual economic interests and strengthening cultural bonds with friendly nations. Dr. Abid Qaiyum Suleri, Executive Director of SDPI, emphasized the significance of the COP forum as a global platform to address environmental degradation and enhance collaborations. Ambassador Khazar Farhadov outlined Azerbaijan's vision for hosting COP-29, emphasizing efforts to spearhead an inclusive global climate conference. The session, moderated by Zainab Naeem, Associate Research Fellow at SDPI, featured insights from Energy and Economy Expert, Research Fellow at SDPI, Dr. Khalid Walid, on the way forward for energy transition, including discussions on carbon markets and equitable development. Dr. Shafqat Munir, Deputy Executive Director of SDPI, concluded the seminar with a vote of thanks to Minister Babayev, Ambassador Farhadov, and all participants for organizing an inclusive and informative event.