Azerbaijan confirmed its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35% by 2030, increasing this objective to 40% by 2050. The government of Azerbaijan prioritizes fulfilling the pledges made under the 2015 Paris Agreement and actively works toward this goal.
Since 1995, the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has been convened every year. The event aims to examine global progress in combating climate change.
The 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) will take place in Azerbaijan in 2024. The decision was made during the plenary session of COP28 on December 11. Addressing the event, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Mukhtar Babayev, thanked the Convention Secretariat and the United Arab Emirates for the exceptional organizing of COP28.
“The issues we face necessitate collective effort and adherence to broadly shared goals and ideals. Azerbaijan recognizes the critical importance of collaborative efforts to combat climate change,” the minister stated.
Following that announcement, Azerbaijan hosted the first meeting of the Organizing Committee in conjunction with the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), the 19th session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol, and the 6th session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement.
Samir Nuriyev, Head of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Chairman of the Organizing Committee, opened the meeting by stating that one of Azerbaijan’s national priorities for social and economic development until 2030 is defined as a Country of Clean Environment and Green Growth, which is our country’s base year. In comparison to 1990, he promised to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35 percent by 2030, declaring the economic zones of liberated Garabagh and East Zangezur, and designating the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic a green energy zone. He further emphasized that Azerbaijan actively participates in international efforts to protect the environment and combat global climate change.
Since taking on the position of host, Azerbaijan has addressed numerous collaboration opportunities as well as preparation processes with several countries.
As an example, the Davos economic form also provided a venue for the Azerbaijani government to present its activities as COP29 host at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
“We reiterated our commitment to COP29’s green agenda and global climate action,” said Mikayil Jabbarov, Minister of Economy.
During that event, Azerbaijan and the UAE discussed cooperation under the framework of COP29. On the fringes of the Davos Economic Forum, the delegation met with Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, the Minister of Economy of the United Arab Emirates and co-chairman of the Azerbaijan-UAE Joint Intergovernmental Commission.
“Those include preparations for the 9th session of the Azerbaijan-UAE Joint Intergovernmental Commission, enhancement of trade turnover and initiatives for developing business ties, collaboration within COP29, prospects for joint projects in the transition to sustainable energy sources,” Mikayil Jabbarov, said.
In terms of private company corporations, the Azerbaijani delegation met with Eddy Pirard, President and CEO of Japan Tobacco International, and Ana Veljkovic, Director for International Affairs of Japan Tobacco International at the event. Their discussions centered on bilateral cooperation with the corporation. Furthermore, they addressed the future activities within the framework of COP29 that will be hosted by Azerbaijan, as well as the attraction of the private sector to the activity of COP29.
Minister also met with Sergio Mujica, Secretary-General of the International Organization for Standardization (IOS). Their conversations focused on the application of standards to give effective answers to global concerns, as well as actions to promote a high-quality ecological environment in our country. They discussed cooperation within the COP29, which will be hosted in Azerbaijan, as well as engagement with partner organizations to establish a robust program for the worldwide standards community.
Furthermore, Azerbaijani Minister of Energy Parviz Shahbazov and Deputy Foreign Minister of Germany, Special Envoy for International Climate Affairs Jennifer Morgan addressed activities related to the next COP29 in Baku, as well as discussion on the green energy transition. —Azer News
