Global Lenses Turn to Azerbaijan Ahead of UN Convention on Climate Change, President Ilham Aliyev Speaks out.

By Earnest Kivumbi Benjamin – updated at 1251 EAT on Saturday 09th November 2024

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Cop 29 will start Monday 11-22nd in Eastern Europe’s Caspian Sea country Azerbaijan. This small country borders Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Iran and Turkey near by.

COP29 takes place at Baku Stadium. The venue is located in Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan.

In statement released, Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev formerly Non – Aligned Movement NAM Chair said “Being elected by unanimous decision as the host country for COP29 is really a big honour for us. We consider it as a sign of respect from the international community to Azerbaijan and what we are doing, in particular, in the area of green energy.”

Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev – courtesy photo

Azerbaijan is committed to developing its renewable energy potential, which is an important part of the country’s plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2050. The country intends to increase renewable power capacity to 30% by 2030 and diversify its existing energy system to become a leader in green energy. Azerbaijan is committed to leading by example and will update its national targets in its next 1.5-aligned Nationally Determined Contribution.

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change -UNFCC says “We all have a moral duty to avoid overshooting the 1.5°C temperature target. But the window of opportunity is closing and we must focus on the need to invest today to save tomorrow. Our fixed priority is delivering deep, rapid and sustained emission reductions now to keep temperatures under control and stay below 1.5°C, while leaving no one behind.”

Simon Stiell of Grenada, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Courtesy photo

COP, which stands for Conference of Parties, is the series of formal meetings Conference of Parties, where governments assess global efforts to advance the Paris Agreement and the Convention, also limit global warming to 1.5°C as informed by the latest science. At COPs, world leaders come together to measure progress and negotiate the best ways to address climate change.

There are now 198 Parties (197 countries plus the European Union) to the Convention, constituting near universal membership.

The COP 29 Presidency’s plan is based on two mutually reinforcing parallel pillars. The first pillar — to “enhance ambition” — combines key elements to ensure all parties commit to ambitious national plans and transparency. The second pillar — to “enable action” — reflects the critical role of finance, a key tool to turn ambition into action and reduce emissions, adapt to climate change and address loss and damage.

The COP 29 Presidency is listening to and engaging with a broad range of international stakeholders. It is working to ensure everyone’s voices are heard and perspectives are considered and included so that we deliver inclusive outcomes based on shared solutions. We are optimistic that together we can make real progress.

The COP 29 Operating Company on Saturday announced the completion of the official handover of the Blue Zone at Baku Stadium to the UNFCCC ahead of COP29 which takes place from the 11th-22nd November.

The Blue Zone is the formal conference and negotiation space managed by the UNFCCC where all sessions, meetings, side events and press conferences held during COP29 will take place in the Blue Zone. Only UNFCCC-accredited participants will enter the Blue Zone.

The handover of the Blue Zone to the UNFCCC marks the completion of a key operational milestone for the COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company. All accommodations are being made in the Blue Zone to ensure delegates have a comfortable experience at Baku Stadium. The Blue Zone will feature approximately 39 Pedestrian Screening lanes, 35 accreditation registration desks, three dedicated help desks for accessibility support, as well as nine side event rooms, five special event rooms and will hold space for 132 delegation offices. There will also be a lounge catering area for delegates and catering points for a variety of food and drink options.

HICGI News Agency is accredited to covert COP29 and will be bringing you updates about this convention.

“COP29 Must be a Stand-and-Deliver COP”: UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell at the Brookings Institution’s Global Economy and Development Programme Virtual Event on 17 October 2024.