“Achieving global climate goals requires $2.4 trillion in financing annually, with $1 trillion from external sources and $1.4 trillion from domestic funding,” Songwe noted. She stressed that low-income countries must enhance domestic resource mobilisation, create jobs, and drive green industrialisation to boost their growth potential. Songwe called on leaders at COP29 to establish a clear blueprint for green industrialisation that benefits not only developed economies but also fosters inclusive economic growth globally. “This vision will serve as the foundation for global investment, attracting the necessary capital to make sustainable development a reality.”

Funding Loss and Damage, and Redistributing Fossil Fuel Subsidies

Songwe hopes that COP29 will fully support the Loss and Damage (L&D) Fund established at COP27 to assist countries most severely impacted by climate change. “Countries in the Global South often bear the brunt of the climate crisis, yet lack the resources to cope,” he stated. In 2022, global fossil fuel subsidies reached $7 trillion, and if half of this amount could be redirected into climate finance, it would greatly accelerate the green transformation and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Such a financial redistribution would have significant implications for enhancing the resilience of vulnerable nations.

Songwe suggested that COP29 should establish a framework to reallocate some of these subsidies to Africa, Asia, and Latin America, supporting the green transformation of impoverished communities. These funds should not only be used for national policies but should also flow into rural and remote areas to meet grassroots needs:

“Through this financial support, COP29 has the potential to lay a more equitable and inclusive foundation for global climate action.”

Strengthening Carbon Markets and Establishing Unified Standards

The carbon market is a crucial source of funding for low-income countries to address climate change, but to realize its full potential, COP29 must play a key role. “The implementation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement is vital, as it can establish a unified framework for the global carbon market, ensuring that countries’ emission reduction actions adhere to consistent standards and reliable trading regulations.” She advocates for a shift from voluntary to mandatory carbon markets, establishing unified carbon reduction standards and regulatory mechanisms to reduce the risk of greenwashing and enhance the authenticity and credibility of carbon credits.

To achieve a global pricing standard for carbon credits and cross-regional interoperability, not only will it attract more investors, but it will also enhance market transparency and stability, creating a more reliable funding source for low-income countries. She calls on governments to demonstrate their commitment at COP29, jointly pledging to accelerate the development of carbon markets and support the participation of low-income countries:

“Through these efforts, the carbon market will become a critical financial channel to address the climate crisis, driving the global transition to a low-carbon and sustainable economy.”

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Centralizing Youth Perspectives in Climate Policy

Sidiropoulos highlights that youth involvement in climate policy is not just beneficial—it is essential for achieving equitable climate justice. “Young people across South Africa are not simply interested in the climate debate, they are leading it with demands for an intersectional approach to climate justice,” she says. “This approach must consider environmental stability alongside social equity, recognizing how intertwined these issues are for the country’s future.”

The statement crafted by 23 young South Africans for COP29 reflects a nuanced understanding of the connection between environmental and social issues, something Sidiropoulos believes policymakers should take very seriously. “They have pointed out that climate justice is intrinsically linked to social justice,” she explains. “If we fail to include these dimensions, we risk ignoring the lived experiences of millions of South Africans who face both climate vulnerabilities and systemic inequalities.”

Referencing recent initiatives from Youth@SAIIA, she stressed how crucial it is to make these young voices heard. Sidiropoulos pointed out, “Youth are often among the first to experience the impacts of climate crises, particularly in marginalized areas where access to basic resources is already limited. By including young leaders in the policymaking process, we ensure that climate solutions are not only impactful but also equitable.” For her, integrating youth voices into policy decisions means ensuring climate actions are tailored to address both the environmental and social realities of communities.

Finance and Social Justice: The Youth’s Call at COP29

As the international community prepares for COP29, Sidiropoulos spoke about the financial aspect of climate action, emphasizing the central role of climate finance in addressing environmental injustice. She acknowledged the urgency of meeting the expectations set by young people regarding finance, which they see as an essential pillar in the fight against climate change. “The youth have been very clear in their demands—especially on issues of climate finance. They are calling for a transition away from debt-heavy financing models, favoring grants and direct investments that alleviate the economic burden on developing nations like South Africa.”

She applauded the establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund during COP28 as a positive step forward, but she also emphasized the need for clear financial pathways to ensure the fund is effective. “It’s not enough to establish a fund; we need transparency and accessibility. The funds must reach those who need them most, particularly communities on the frontlines of climate impacts,” she states. “Young South Africans understand that effective climate finance is about more than simply writing checks—it’s about dismantling systemic inequalities that make vulnerable communities even more susceptible to climate crises.”

According to Sidiropoulos, the key focus for COP29 must be making funds available in an equitable manner, and efficiently. She pointed to the challenges faced by Global South countries that continue to be trapped in cycles of debt, limiting their ability to invest in adaptation and mitigation measures. “South African youth are pushing for debt relief as a legitimate climate strategy, particularly as it would free up resources that can be directed towards local adaptation and resilience projects. They want a shift away from debt-dependent solutions towards mechanisms that genuinely uplift affected communities.”

Youth-Led Solutions and Bridging Gaps

Another core issue raised by Sidiropoulos is the necessity for more inclusive platforms that allow marginalized groups to influence climate policy. She highlighted the critical role that community-based organizations play in translating policy into practical action. “Community-based organizations often serve as the bridge between high-level climate discussions and the lived experiences of vulnerable communities. They are key in translating abstract policies into tangible, local action,” she explains.

She further noted that young people are increasingly seeking platforms to create localized, community-driven solutions. “The South African youth have made it clear that they are ready to work on the ground, whether it is in sustainable agriculture, waste management, or renewable energy. But they need the right kind of support—financial, technical, and educational.”

Sidiropoulos also reflected on the recent strides South Africa has made in urban development through initiatives such as the Lanseria Smart City project. “It’s encouraging to see integrated, low-carbon urban planning starting to take root in South Africa,” she said. “But we need to scale these initiatives to ensure that marginalized urban communities also benefit from climate adaptation efforts.”

Future Pathways for Youth Engagement

In discussing how to strengthen youth engagement moving forward, Sidiropoulos underscored the need for long-term planning. “We need structures in place that will continue to empower young people far beyond the discussions at COP29,” she argued. “Establishing youth advisory councils, enhancing climate literacy, and supporting climate-specific education are essential elements for building resilient future leaders.”

“Ensuring that young people are equipped not only to participate but to lead, is fundamental for achieving our broader climate goals,” she concluded. Sidiropoulos believes that the demands of young South Africans leading up to COP29 should serve as a wake-up call for global leaders—an urgent reminder that the decisions taken today will shape the future of the next generation.

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From Diplomacy to Climate Leadership: Jarchalova’s Journey to COP29

Jarchalova brings a unique blend of academic excellence and practical experience to COP29. With a bachelor’s degree from Azerbaijan University of Languages and a master’s in diplomacy from ADA University, her foundation in international relations is robust. Adding to her credentials, Jarchalova pursued further education at the Harvard Kennedy School and later earned a Master’s in Public Administration from University College London (UCL), where her dissertation focused on the interplay between agriculture support and deforestation. This combination of high-level education and her focus on environmental issues positions her well to navigate the complexities of climate action negotiations.

Melanie Robinson, Global Climate Director at the World Resources Institute, has highlighted the importance of capable and experienced leaders in the operational aspects of COP events. Jarchalova’s expertise and understanding of the balance between environmental sustainability and economic development can be crucial in organizing the logistics and negotiations during COP29.

A Drive to Highlight and Close the Funding Gap for Environmental Initiatives

As Chief Operations Officer, Jarchalova’s key challenge is to oversee the logistics of bringing together representatives from nearly 200 countries to work towards ambitious climate goals. A significant aspect of this will involve facilitating discussions around equitable funding for climate initiatives, especially in developing nations. Despite Azerbaijan’s reliance on oil revenues, Jarchalova has already been instrumental in exploring new pathways for using the country’s resources to support climate initiatives. Her track record with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, where she has led numerous environmental protection projects, demonstrates her commitment to finding practical funding solutions to close the gaps in global carbon reduction efforts.

Bridging International Relations with Environmental Commitments

Jarchalova’s experience includes her role as the project manager for Azerbaijan’s pavilion at COP28 in the United Arab Emirates, where she gained first-hand insights into international climate negotiations. At COP29, she will focus on reinforcing Azerbaijan’s dedication to environmental responsibilities while ensuring the economic stability of the country remains intact. Her mission is to help Azerbaijan contribute meaningfully to global decarbonisation, bringing her international experience and local perspective to bear on complex challenges. Her leadership will be central in ensuring that COP29 goes beyond rhetoric to implement practical measures for sustainability.

Jarchalova’s new role and the outcomes of COP29 are expected to mark a significant milestone for Azerbaijan in the realm of global climate action. Her appointment signals a commitment to impactful, concrete initiatives aimed at guiding the world towards a more sustainable future:

“COP29 is more than just an annual climate summit—it represents an opportunity to turn global aspirations into actionable commitments, my mission, alongside the international community, is to ensure we collectively achieve meaningful progress towards our climate goals, paving the way for a greener, more resilient planet for future generations.”

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The post COP29 Leaders ｜ Narmin Jarchalova, Azerbaijan’s Champion for Environmental Advocacy, to Lead COP29 Operations first appeared on The Icons.