Azerbaijan Must Accelerate Diplomatic Efforts Ahead of COP29
July is set to break numerous records, not just in sports with the Paris Olympics, but also in terms of global temperatures. This month, we've witnessed the hottest day in over 120,000 years due to climate change driven by the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation. The impacts are immediate and severe: Hurricane Beryl has ravaged parts of the Caribbean, a heatwave has caused power outages in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, and Kenya has experienced devastating floods.
In just four months, Azerbaijan will host the UN climate talks in Baku, drawing global attention to its diplomatic leadership. Governments, businesses, media, and civil society are eager to see how the COP29 Presidency will increase global ambition and action.
COP29 Priorities
The COP29 Presidency, in its recent Letter to Parties, emphasized two main pillars: "Enhance Ambition, Enable Action." Despite launching several initiatives, these efforts alone will not suffice for the necessary systemic changes. The agenda is clear: transition away from fossil fuels justly and equitably, set a robust climate finance goal, and ensure countries submit ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in response to the Global Stocktake.
Azerbaijan must press countries to fulfill these commitments well before the summit in November. The slow progress since COP28 in Dubai underscores the urgency, with the 1.5℃ target slipping away. As a major fossil fuel exporter, Azerbaijan cannot ignore its own contributions to the problem.
Finance Deal
A key challenge will be agreeing on a new climate finance goal. Negotiating a fair and ambitious New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) is critical, requiring at least $1 trillion in climate and environmental investments by 2030. Azerbaijan's Climate Finance Action Fund proposal suggests polluters should pay, but it cannot justify continued fossil fuel expansion.
The appointment of Denmark's Dan Jørgensen and Egypt's Yasmine Fouad as a Ministerial Pairing for the finance deal is promising. However, political will and alignment on expectations are essential to balance the needs of over 190 countries. Engaging champions from business, government, and civil society will be crucial.
Civil Society Engagement
Azerbaijan should focus on creating enabling conditions and encouraging countries to implement existing commitments rather than inventing new deals. Consistent dialogue with credible actors can help avoid pitfalls. Transparent engagement with media and civil society is vital to maintain trust and address concerns about fossil fuel influence and civil society crackdowns.
Azerbaijan's role as COP29 host brings significant responsibility and opportunity. By setting clear timelines, leveraging expert advice, intensifying finance talks, and maintaining pressure on countries, Azerbaijan can ensure a successful and impactful COP29, building a lasting legacy for the climate and future generations.