Global climate changes are seriously worrying the countries of the world. The world is facing the global climate crisis, inequality, and tragedies caused by wars, which countries cannot cope with alone. That is why every year the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change holds events in different cities, discusses global initiatives and makes important decisions. In order to ensure a sustainable future, this year COP29 events will be organized in the capital of Azerbaijan, Baku. COP29, which will bring together political leaders of the world countries, government representatives, scientists, non-governmental organizations and other interested parties, will go down in history as one of the major international events where serious decisions are made, and by hosting it, Azerbaijan will prove that it is ready to contribute to global climate action. COP29 will provide an opportunity to combat pollution, resource depletion and biodiversity loss affecting the environment, create sustainable production and consumption models, implement the UN’s sustainable development indicators in the fight against climate change, and promote innovation and new business activities. It’s time to turn collective commitment into real action. It goes without saying that the hosting of such a prestigious event by Azerbaijan increases its responsibility at the international level. Azerbaijan values the COP29 not only as an event, but also as an opportunity to achieve the goals of sustainable development. It should be noted that the Paris Agreement was adopted at the 21st COP held in 2015 and 171 countries signed this document. Azerbaijan joined the same document in 2016. The main objective of the COP measures is to reduce carbon emissions and reach the pre-industrial 1.5°C target. COP29 is considered an important step to speed up this process and fulfill the requirements of the Paris Agreement.
At the Baku conference of the COP, Azerbaijan will present to the world the use of “green energy” potential in the fight against climate change, along with traditional energy. Azerbaijan has set a goal to increase the share of renewable energy sources in electricity production to 30 percent by 2030, to reduce carbon emissions by 40 percent compared to 1990 by the middle of the century, to the level determined by world scientists to protect against the dangerous consequences of international warming. It is the moral duty of each of us to ensure the commitment to keep global warming at 1.5°C. Azerbaijan is using its rich wind and solar potential in order to become one of the leading countries in the transition to “green” energy. The country has an estimated economic potential of 3 GW onshore and 157 GW of offshore technical potential for wind energy. To realize this potential, joint projects with international investors such as “ACWA Power” and “Masdar” are being implemented.
Our goal is to offer new approaches and innovative solutions not only at the national level, but also at the global level. Guided by the “Year of Solidarity for the sake of a Green World” call, Azerbaijan is strengthening its cooperation efforts to fulfill its commitments and moral duties. Achieving the new Collective Quantitative Goal, voluntary support by fuel producing countries and companies for climate finance, and the expected establishment of the Action Fund for Climate Finance are among the important initiatives of the COP 29 Action Agenda. COP29’s Call for Global Peace and Joint Ceasefire is its flagship initiative.
Baku’s COP29 plan is based on two directions that mutually support each other. Raising ambitions and spurring action. The final document to be adopted at the Summit of the Future, which includes elements such as peace and security, new technologies, and the financial architecture of the future, will lead to positive changes in our world. During the next presidential term, Azerbaijan is committed to the transparent and impartial implementation of COP29. Our country will further strengthen its ambitions and efforts to increase climate finance.
Taking into account all the above, 14 main initiatives were put forward by the COP29 presidency of Azerbaijan. These initiatives are as follows, expressing the position and purpose of Azerbaijan for the world:
Action Fund for Climate Finance – Establishment of a fund thanks to voluntary contributions from fossil fuel producing countries and companies.
Baku Initiative on Climate Financing, Investments and Trade Dialogue – “BICFIT Dialogue”
The Just Transition Investment Partnership (JTIP) for occupations and skills
Commitments on Green energy – Signatories to these commitments at ministerial level will commit to green energy corridors, zones and systems.
Commitments to maintain green energy
The Clean Hydrogen Initiative
Call for a COP Ceasefire – Mobilize all political attention and diplomatic efforts to end climate conflicts.
Digital Action Pathway for the sake of a Green World – Digitalization and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the ICT sector.
Investing in Human Capital, Health and Jobs for a Climate Resilient Future
Harmonizing for Climate Resilience – Empowering farmers, villages and rural communities
Baku Dialogue on Water and Climate – Strengthening of action on climate change and water system
Partnership on Multisectoral Action Parthways (MAP) for Sustainable, Climate- Resilient and Healthy Cities,
Global Partnership for Enhanced Climate Action on Tourism (GPECAT)
Partnership for the Reduction of Organic Waste (ROW): Methane Reduction and Soil Enrichment
Azerbaijan has always been at the forefront of promoting international peace, security, intercultural dialogue, and contributing to the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
At a time when multilateralism is being eroded, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, is calling for international solidarity and taking decisive steps in the direction of collective solutions. His contributions to international cooperation during his 2019-2023 chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement are an example of this. Guided by the call of “leaving no one behind”, Azerbaijan provided assistance to countries in need, in addition to building and restoring our destroyed territories in 4 years, it has demonstrated its principle of equality by providing humanitarian, economic and technical support worth 330 million US dollars to more than 140 countries. This is the political path taken by Azerbaijan.
During COP29, Azerbaijan will spare no effort to create a bridge between developed and developing countries and to achieve consensus.
