Parvana Valiyeva, a member of the COP29 Organising Committee and National Committee Representative, has shared key expectations for COP29 and Azerbaijan’s role in driving climate leadership. This highly anticipated conference, to be held in Baku from 22 to 29 November, will bring together the 29th United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), the 19th Conference of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol, and the 6th Conference of the Parties to the Paris Agreement.
Addressing Global Climate Needs: A Call for Revised Funding Standards
Valiyeva stressed that one of COP29’s primary goals is to redefine the level of climate finance support developed nations provide to developing countries. The current $10 billion target is far from sufficient to meet the challenges of climate change, particularly in regions severely impacted by extreme weather events. “We must significantly increase this target to between $50 billion and $1 trillion, to provide meaningful support for the countries most affected,” Valiyeva noted, emphasising that this figure must capture the attention of the G7 and G20, who bear a responsibility to contribute meaningfully to the global climate agenda.
Azerbaijan has assumed a pivotal role in coordinating consensus-building efforts in preparation for COP29, especially regarding climate finance. As the COP29 host nation, Azerbaijan is committed to bridging cooperation between developed and developing countries to achieve an equitable climate finance goal. “Through constructive discussions with world leaders and international financial institutions, we are working to ensure COP29 becomes a landmark in global climate action,” Valiyeva highlighted. She added that Baku plans to hold informal delegation consultations to build crucial consensus in the lead-up to the conference.
Azerbaijan’s Global Climate Contribution: Leading with Recognition and Responsibility
As COP29 Chair, Azerbaijan has garnered international praise for its commitment to global climate action. Valiyeva stated that Azerbaijan will particularly focus on supporting Small Island Developing States (SIDS), which are disproportionately affected by climate change, by providing targeted financial and technical assistance to help these vulnerable regions address climate challenges. This commitment to aiding at-risk nations has strengthened Azerbaijan’s reputation in global climate circles.
Valiyeva added that Azerbaijan will collaborate with the New York Future Summit’s Future Charter initiative, which promotes global cooperation in tackling the long-term challenges of climate change. She pointed out that the charter embodies the international community’s commitment to future generations, setting pragmatic and measurable targets for COP29. She believes this charter will infuse global climate action with renewed energy, encouraging inclusive policies across nations.
With Azerbaijan at the helm, COP29 is expected to be a defining event for international climate action. “We hope COP29 will not just be a platform for discussion but a true catalyst for meaningful change,” Valiyeva remarked. “Azerbaijan stands ready to bridge cooperation among nations, foster impactful climate agreements, and drive progress towards achieving global carbon reduction goals.”
Advancing Technology and Capacity-Building: Azerbaijan’s Agenda for Climate Action
In the run-up to COP29, Valiyeva underscored the importance of enhancing technology transfer and capacity-building, particularly in supporting developing nations. “Our hope is that COP29 will pave the way for increased technical support and resource allocation to those countries that need it most,” she explained. Azerbaijan’s government is committed to driving this goal, and Valiyeva highlighted the necessity of international cooperation to achieve measurable climate outcomes.
Hosting COP29 not only reflects Azerbaijan’s climate leadership but also serves as a critical opportunity for global climate collaboration. Valiyeva noted that Azerbaijan’s President, Ilham Aliyev, has repeatedly stressed the need for joint action between developed and developing nations in addressing climate change, rather than shifting blame. Concluding her remarks, Valiyeva emphasised that COP29 represents a pivotal moment, with Azerbaijan fully committed to facilitating consensus among nations and addressing the climate crisis to build a sustainable future:
“Achieving a historic COP29 is our mission, yet truly beneficial progress for the world requires the collective participation of all nations.”
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