The hosting of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in Baku marks a significant moment in the history of climate diplomacy. This event could become a pivotal step toward uniting the global community’s efforts in combating climate change—one of the most pressing issues of our time. By hosting COP29, Azerbaijan emphasizes its readiness to make a substantial contribution to solving global climate challenges, showcasing its leadership on the international stage.
Climate change has long been a global threat, impacting every aspect of life, from economies to public health. Today, no country can escape the consequences of climate change. The burning of fossil fuels—coal, oil, and gas—has significantly increased the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, leading to catastrophic climate shifts. Severe natural disasters, rising sea levels, and the destruction of ecosystems are just a few of the consequences of global warming.
Addressing climate change requires collective efforts, especially from developed countries, which have the most significant influence on the process. However, despite over 30 years since the adoption of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, substantial progress has been limited. Key conferences, such as the Kyoto Protocol, the Paris Agreement, and the Doha discussions, have not yielded the desired results due to the inability of major global powers—such as the United States, China, Russia, and the European Union—to reach a consensus on comprehensive climate action plans.
One of the critical challenges remains the lack of sufficient funding for climate initiatives. More than $100 billion is needed to finance long-term development programs in countries already suffering from the effects of climate change. These funds are vital for nations threatened by degradation, hunger, and poverty, and without them, halting the process of global warming is impossible. While projects in renewable energy and the green economy are essential, they alone cannot resolve the climate crisis.
Although Azerbaijan’s contribution to climate change is minimal, the country is taking a proactive role on the international stage by offering concrete solutions. What is particularly notable is that Azerbaijan is not only assuming regional but global leadership in addressing climate change. This highlights the country’s maturity and responsibility as it commits its resources and initiatives to the global cause. Azerbaijan is prepared to contribute not only financially but also through human capital to global climate programs. Much of this leadership is due to the efforts of President Ilham Aliyev, who is driving the country’s active participation in fostering international collaboration to achieve shared climate goals.
One of the key objectives of COP29 is to ensure that global warming is limited to 1.5°C—a critical threshold to prevent the most catastrophic consequences of climate change. Achieving this goal will require serious efforts, including reaching carbon neutrality by 2050. Azerbaijan is actively working toward this goal, having set an ambitious target to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2050. The cornerstone of this plan is the development of renewable energy sources, and Azerbaijan has already taken concrete steps in this direction by signing agreements with international partners and developing new projects.
The importance of COP29 is further underscored by the “COP Presidency Trio” format, which includes the UAE (COP28), Azerbaijan (COP29), and Brazil (COP30). This unique partnership between the three countries is aimed at coordinating climate action and accelerating the implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)—the key climate commitments of each nation. As part of this format, Azerbaijan will play a leading role in developing a roadmap for strengthening climate action, specifically focused on keeping global warming below the 1.5°C threshold.
Another critical aspect of COP29 will be discussions on climate finance. This issue is especially important given the growing need for countries to access resources for implementing climate initiatives. Special attention will be given to creating new financial mechanisms and ensuring the equitable distribution of financial flows between developed and developing countries. COP29 aims to strengthen the Green Climate Fund—a global mechanism that provides financial support to developing countries for climate projects. Additionally, the creation of a Loss and Damage Fund to compensate countries most affected by climate change will be a key topic of discussion.
World leaders recognize that success in combating climate change requires not only national efforts but also effective international cooperation. It is at platforms like COP that key decisions are made and implemented, driving global climate policy forward. COP29 in Baku promises to be a crucial milestone in this fight, offering concrete solutions to achieving a sustainable future.
In conclusion, COP29 in Azerbaijan opens new opportunities for strengthening global climate diplomacy and contributes to addressing one of the most critical challenges of our time. Azerbaijan is not only emerging as a regional leader but also an active participant in the global fight against climate change, proposing initiatives that can shape the future. It is essential for countries to continue on the path toward carbon neutrality, accelerating the implementation of climate programs and ensuring the equitable distribution of resources. Only by uniting efforts can the international community overcome the global threat of climate change, and COP29 will be the catalyst that helps achieve these goals.
