Azerbaijan, pursuing a multiregional foreign policy based on national interests, makes an important contribution to strengthening cooperation and solidarity on a global scale. It is no coincidence that President Ilham Aliyev has recently received invitations as an honorary guest to a number of summits at the level of heads of state and government both in the Islamic world and in the EU. Azerbaijan has already become a platform where prestigious international events and global forums are traditionally held. At these events and meetings, topical issues on the global agenda are usually discussed and important decisions are made. When making these decisions, Azerbaijan’s initiative and moderator role is, of course, taken into account.
A number of important results have been achieved in the field of combating global climate change within the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. These results play an important role in shaping climate policy and increasing global efforts to combat climate change. The Paris Agreement (2015) aims to keep global temperature rise below 2°C, if possible, within 1.5°C. Under Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), countries declare and implement their national contributions to combat climate change. These contributions include reducing carbon emissions, switching to renewable energy sources and measures to adapt to climate change. Commenting on the topic, politician Sadig Gurbanov told Report that the national contributions of countries to combat climate change at COP29 will further reduce carbon emissions globally and take more effective measures against climate change.
"New financial mechanisms and commitments are expected to be adopted to provide greater financial support to developing countries to combat climate change and take adaptation measures. At the same time, international cooperation in the development and dissemination of climate technologies is expected to strengthen. This will facilitate the introduction of innovative solutions and technologies in the fight against climate change. These expectations show that COP29 is an important platform for increasing global efforts to combat climate change and achieve sustainable development goals.
The activities and goals of COP29 are implemented in close cooperation with global organizations, primarily the UN. The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) plays a key role in the adoption and implementation of important international climate agreements, such as the Paris Agreement and the Kyoto Protocol. Through COP, the UNFCCC ensures that countries take measures to combat climate change at the national level and coordinate them at the international level," said Gurbanov.
He noted that COP's ties with the UN and other global organizations are developing in an ascending direction.
"The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) works closely with the Convention on Climate Action in the areas of agriculture and food security. FAO provides technical support and resources to reduce the impact of climate change on agriculture and food production. This cooperation covers measures aimed at ensuring global food security and adapting agriculture to climate change.
The World Food Program (WFP) of the United Nations studies the impact of climate change on food security and cooperates with the Convention on this issue. WFP provides food assistance and adaptation measures in regions vulnerable to climate change. Within the framework of the COP, WFP implements programs to adapt food security to climate change and increase its resilience.
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) provides financial and technical support for climate action to support sustainable agricultural development. IFAD supports projects aimed at adapting agriculture to climate change in developing countries.
COP events also promote close cooperation by bringing together the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and other global organizations. Cooperation with these global organizations helps to catalyze global efforts to combat climate change and achieve sustainable development goals," Gurbanov noted.
COP29 Organizing Committee Member Fatma Yildirim said that Azerbaijan's presidency of COP29 is a contribution to addressing the most pressing issues at the global level.
"Preventing damage to nature and environmental problems is a global challenge today. These increasingly dangerous threats have made it necessary to take urgent measures and coordinated actions by countries and international organizations. Azerbaijan is among the countries responding to these challenges. In this regard, President Ilham Aliyev's announcement of Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur as a green energy zone should be highly appreciated. In general, COP29 is important for the whole world. We expect that at this prestigious event, countries will reach an agreement on the issue of financing to strengthen the fight against climate change. This is very important for the future of all humanity," Yildirim added.