The UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) starts in Azerbaijan

The 29th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change began in Azerbaijan’s capital on 11 November. Over the next 12 days, representatives from more than 100 countries will discuss efforts to combat global warming.

At the opening of the conference, Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), addressed attendees. He urged participants to agree on a new global goal for climate finance and to launch international carbon markets.

“The negotiation process under the UNFCCC is the only forum where we can address the urgent climate crisis and hold each other accountable to take meaningful action,” he emphasised.

On the first day of the conference, Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, handed over the COP presidency to Mukhtar Babayev, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources. The Emirati minister highlighted the achievements of the presidency, including the adoption of the UAE Consensus, an agreement serving as a benchmark for global climate goals.

He also noted initiatives such as the Oil and Gas Decarbonisation Charter (OGDC), the launch of the world’s largest climate investment fund, and other projects, as reported by the Emirates News Agency (WAM), a partner of TV BRICS.

During COP29, more than 2,000 events are scheduled, with the Leaders’ Summit on 12–13 November being a key highlight, bringing together heads of state, government leaders, heads of international organisations, and other high-ranking officials.

According to organisers, one of the core agenda items at COP29 is the establishment of the Climate Finance Action Fund. This fund is expected to be financed by countries and companies involved in fossil fuel production, and it will support climate projects in developing nations.

COP29 will conclude on 22 November. Preliminary estimates suggest that approximately 80,000 delegates, including business representatives, civil society members, scientists, and experts, will visit Baku during the conference.

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