COP29: Expectations, inclusivity and uncertainties of sustainability and climate agenda

The 29th Conference of the Parties (COP 29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is a crucial global event addressing climate change and sustainability. COP 29 presents an opportunity to address critical climate and sustainability issues.

According to Report, the expectations from this global event were discussed by experts at a webinar, organized by the NGO Vision for Sustainable Africa in cooperation including with Report Independent Information Agency.

The event participants noted that COP29's success will depend on balancing ambitious targets with inclusive approaches while navigating uncertainties.

The webinar was moderated by professor Mohammad Nurunnabi, the founder and president of the Vision for Sustainable Africa (VSA), the founding director of the Center for Sustainability and Climate at the Prince Sultan University, Saudi Arabia.

The participants discussed a number of key challenges on the path to a sustainable future, including challenges in the regions they represent. Among them are resistance to integrating climate education into existing curricula due to limited resources or differences in national priorities, prioritizing profit over sustainability in business without proper incentives through policy and regulation, and the need to involve youth in climate education.

According to Kamala Mustafayeva, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Report, who participated in the webinar, the decline in the Caspian Sea level, which has been observed for several years, is becoming very relevant in the region. In general, the water problem is relevant in the South Caucasus. "But if there is no peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, if Georgia has unresolved territorial problems, and rivers and water resources are transboundary - how to solve these problems? Therefore, normal relations between neighbors are needed, sustainable peace in the region is needed to solve urgent climate issues," she said.

Experts mentioned several important recommendations. In particular, to overcome resistance in curriculum integration, they recommended that governments provide clear guidelines and necessary resources for educational institutions, incentivize businesses through policy frameworks that align profit-making with sustainable practices and develop training programs for educators to effectively integrate climate education without disrupting existing curricular structures.

Professor Dr. Mohammad Nurunnabi concluded by mentioning, “Together we can win and together we can combat climate change”.

Obviously, expectations for COP29 are high, as they will have a significant impact on global efforts to combat climate change and achieve sustainable development goals.