COP29 President-Designate H.E. Mukhtar Babayev and Ali Serim
As COP29 approaches, globally recognised climate advocate Ali Serim extends his deepest gratitude to Azerbaijan for its exceptional commitment to hosting this critical summit. “My heartfelt thanks should go to Azerbaijan for their remarkable leadership and dedication in preparing for COP29,” he stated. “Their efforts set a new standard for international collaboration, reinforcing our shared commitment to a sustainable, resilient future. Azerbaijan’s contributions are invaluable in making COP29 a truly historic and impactful event.”
Serim underscores that COP29 stands as a defining moment in the global fight against climate change. Taking place at a time when the world is grappling with unprecedented and complex challenges, this year’s summit is arguably the most difficult and most consequential COP to date. With global geopolitical tensions rising, climate finance lagging, and the planet facing increasingly extreme weather events, COP29 must go beyond discussion and catalyze the essential financial flows required to keep the 1.5°C climate goal within reach.
Reflecting on 2024’s extreme weather, from catastrophic floods in Spain to record-breaking heatwaves, Serim highlights the economic toll and heightened global insecurity that underline the need for urgent resilience and adaptation measures. Complicating matters further are escalating world wide geopolitical conflicts, ongoing hostilities, and trade disputes that disrupt international cooperation.
Despite these challenges, Serim sees COP29 as a crucial opportunity to strengthen climate diplomacy and global resolve. “This summit can set a new benchmark for ambition,” he remarked. “The early submission of ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) from leading nations would signal that real progress is underway.” Serim emphasizes that priorities for COP29 must include scaling up renewable energy, doubling energy efficiency, and significantly increasing investments—and grants—in climate adaptation and resilience.
The stakes at COP29 have never been higher. The recent UN Emissions Gap Report serves as a stark reminder that current efforts are falling short of the 1.5°C target. “COP29 must deliver a robust financial framework to enable swift, transformative and quick climate action,” Serim stressed the need for a climate finance model that provides billions of dollars in genuinely accessible grants—not merely shamefully limited millions—particularly for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) that urgently require resources for sustainable development. “SIDS have long participated in COP meetings, tirelessly advocating for the support they need, yet progress has been very limited for decades. I call it: Microscopic progress. If COP29 consensus does not provide real solutions of giant steps, participation from these vulnerable nations may well diminish in future COP events.”
Reflecting on the commitments from COP28 to responsibly phase out fossil fuels, triple renewable energy capacity, and double energy efficiency by 2030, Serim acknowledged that, while progress has been made, it remains insufficient. “Positive steps have emerged in reforming the global financial system, and new platforms are supporting equitable transitions worldwide,” he observed. “But we need to act faster and more deeply if we are to meet our goals.”
“Let us all set aside divisions and conflicts during COP29 and unite in our shared responsibility,” Serim urged. “To keep the 1.5°C threshold achievable, we must secure bold financial commitments and groundbreaking NDCs. The decisions made in Baku will echo far beyond the conference, shaping climate action for generations. This is our moment to commit to a sustainable, resilient world, and we must not let it pass. As my favorite Azerbaijani philosopher, Nesimi, said in the 14th century, ‘I am both the wind and the earth.’ Let us all at COP29 be the wind and earth to save our future.”