THE upcoming UNFCCC COP 29, set to take place in November 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan, under the presidency of Mukhtar Babayev, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, is poised to be a landmark event in the global fight against climate change. Babayev’s recently published letter outlining the Presidency’s vision “to enhance ambition and enable action” sets a robust and inspiring agenda, reflecting a deep commitment to addressing the climate crisis through comprehensive and inclusive strategies.
The theme “In Solidarity for a Green World” encapsulates the essence of COP 29’s approach. This theme is not merely a slogan but a guiding principle that underscores the interconnectedness of our global community in combating climate change. The upcoming conference is described as “a litmus test” for the Paris Agreement, global climate action and international cooperation, with a particular focus on achieving a new collective quantified goal (NCQG) on climate finance. This goal is central to ensuring that the financial mechanisms are in place to support ambitious climate action, especially in developing countries.
The COP 29 Presidency’s vision is built on two mutually reinforcing pillars: enhancing ambition and enabling action. Enhancing ambition involves setting out clear plans to keep the 1.5ºC temperature goal within reach. This includes ambitious, comprehensive and robust nationally determined contributions (NDCs), National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) and Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs). By doing so, the presidency aims to ensure that no one is left behind in the transition to a sustainable future.
Enabling action focuses on the means of implementation and support. This involves agreeing on a fair and ambitious NCQG on climate finance and finalizing the operationalization of Article 6, which pertains to cooperative implementation. These steps are crucial for mobilizing the necessary resources and facilitating international cooperation to address the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change.
The letter outlines several key milestones and collaborative networks that will be instrumental in achieving the presidency’s vision. A heads-of-delegation-level retreat in Azerbaijan from July 26-27, the appointment of a ministerial pair for the NCQG negotiations (Denmark and Egypt), and a high-level energy dialogue during the 79th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) and the New York Climate Week are among the significant events planned.
During COP 29, the Presidency will convene the World Leaders Climate Action Summit, leader-level dialogues on key topics, and thematic days to showcase new initiatives, celebrate successes, and share best practices. These events will provide a platform for meaningful discussions and foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders.
The principles of action outlined in the letter emphasize the importance of the latest science and the outcomes of the first Global Stocktake (GST). Engaging global, regional, national, and subnational groups ensures a holistic view of sustainable development and an inclusive process that delivers inclusive outcomes. This approach recognizes that climate action must be integrated with broader development goals to be effective and sustainable.
The COP 29 Presidency’s vision also highlights the need for coordinated efforts across various sectors, including finance, trade and investment, energy, biodiversity, sustainable agriculture, water, science, technology and innovation, sustainable urbanization, and health. This comprehensive approach acknowledges that climate change is a crosscutting issue that impacts all aspects of society and requires integrated solutions.
The presidency welcomes the support of diverse actors, including the G7 and G20, in demonstrating leadership and action to address the climate crisis. The G7’s commitment to submit 1.5-aligned NDCs, phase out existing unabated coal power generation during the first half of the 2030s, and contribute to the new climate finance goal is particularly commendable. Similarly, the upcoming G20 leaders’ summit in November will be a critical moment to support enhancing ambition and enabling action.
Azerbaijan’s partnership with Brazil for COP 30 and the G20, along with other G20 members, highlights the importance of international cooperation. The Baku to Belem (B2B) initiative aims to enhance ambition and action to meet the 1.5ºC goal. The COP 29 Presidency is also linking the Rio Conventions on climate change, biodiversity, and desertification, and collaborating with the Colombian and Saudi Presidencies for coordination on crosscutting issues.
Global financial institutions, such as the World Bank and IMF, are crucial in supporting climate action in developing countries. The COP 29 Presidency’s push for a step change from these institutions is vital. The private sector, led by COP 29 UN High-Level Champion Nigar Arpadarai, will engage in climate solutions through partnerships and innovation. The Business and Philanthropy Forum at COP 29 will focus on investment in water, renewable energy, and food security.
Mukhtar Babayev’s vision for COP 29 is a comprehensive plan for ambitious climate action. By fostering collaboration and integrating solutions, COP 29 aims to advance global climate efforts, emphasizing solidarity, inclusivity, and sustainable development. The global community must support this vision to ensure a sustainable future for all.
—The writer is an active Climate Youth Delegate for UNFCCC, UNEP, and UNESCO.
