FOCAL POINT BAKU

On November 11, the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) commenced its activities in Baku, marking a significant milestone in the global effort to address climate change. For several days, the capital of Azerbaijan underwent a metamorphosis, transforming into the centre of the world and serving as the host city for one of the most significant global events. It is a notable event, with 72,000 participants from 196 countries registered to attend the forum, including 80 presidents, vice-presidents, and heads of governments. This forum, which has become a traditional venue for discussing global climate change issues, provides a unique platform for developing joint solutions aimed at preserving the planet for future generations.

Nevertheless, the principal objective of COP29 is to conclude an accord on a fair and ambitious New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG). As the current chair of COP29, Azerbaijan has proposed 14 initiatives that reflect the interconnection between climate action and the Sustainable Development Goals. These initiatives address a range of topics, including the establishment of green energy corridors, the development of green energy storage solutions, the harmonization of climate resilience strategies, the production of clean hydrogen, the reduction of methane emissions from organic waste, the promotion of green digital activities, and the prioritization of climate finance mechanisms. The establishment of climate finance as a key priority will foster conditions for action and contribute to fulfilling commitments to keep global warming within 1.5°C through universal consolidation.

Global Climate Threat and Baku

Why Baku? What is it about this particular city and country that makes it so pivotal in the context of the global climate agenda? The responses to these inquiries elucidate not only the environmental but also the geopolitical, economic, and social import of this event.

The reality of climate change is no longer a hypothetical threat that humanity will face in the future; it is already a tangible phenomenon with observable consequences. Extreme weather events, floods, droughts, glacial melting, and rising sea levels are among the observable consequences of climate change that pose a significant risk to human lives, ecosystems, and economies. The acceleration of climate change endangers the stability and security of the entire globe. As stated by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), in the absence of immediate and decisive action by the global community to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to a changing climate, the consequences for our planet will be catastrophic. Consequently, the COP29 conference in Baku has the potential to become a pivotal moment in the negotiations, assuming a significance that extends far beyond the scope of a mere meeting of politicians.

Azerbaijan represents a distinctive case study at the nexus of traditional and emerging energy challenges. The country's substantial oil and gas reserves have historically constituted the foundation of its economic structure. However, in recent years, Azerbaijan has pursued the development of green energy sources actively, investing in solar and wind energy while also participating in international initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions. In 2021, Azerbaijan became a participant in decarbonization initiatives and indicated its intention to significantly reduce its carbon footprint by 2030.

Azerbaijan's development of renewable energy sources and commitment to environmental sustainability position the country as an essential participant in today's global climate dialogue. The decision to host COP29 in Baku not only draws attention to Azerbaijan's efforts to reduce its climate impact but also positions the country at the forefront of global discussions on energy transformation. This sends an important message to the international community: the transition to renewable energy sources is a global imperative.

Baku: A bridge Between East and West

Azerbaijan is situated in a strategically significant region, bridging Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. This geographic advantage allows Baku to serve as a bridge in international negotiations. The country actively cooperates with the European Union, Russia, Türkiye, and Central Asian nations while being a member of global initiatives such as the EU Green Deal and the Global Renewable Energy Partnership. The Baku platform has the potential not only to promote national interests but also to facilitate broader interaction among various regions worldwide.

Thus, COP29 in Baku can also function as an important step toward strengthening cooperation between major hydrocarbon-producing countries and those actively advocating for environmental initiatives. This opens new opportunities for developing joint solutions that integrate economic and environmental interests. The Leaders' Summit of the 29th session of COP29 in Baku on November 12 was dedicated to discussing these critical issues.

"Last December, by unanimous decision of almost 200 countries, Azerbaijan was honoured with the opportunity to host COP29. We view this decision as a sign of respect for our country and recognition of our active role on the international stage. Azerbaijan is a country where East and West, North and South converge—not only geographically but also politically, culturally, economically, and in terms of trade and transport. The mega-projects initiated by Azerbaijan have already altered the energy and transport landscapes of Eurasia and fostered fruitful multilateral cooperation," President Ilham Aliyev stated during the forum.

The President assured that Azerbaijan, as COP29 Chairman, would strive to facilitate consensus between developed and developing countries while establishing relations between the Global South and Global North: "For four years, by unanimous decision from 120 countries, Azerbaijan successfully led the Non-Aligned Movement—the second most significant international organization after the UN. Azerbaijan is also an active member of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, which unites nearly 60 countries. We have signed agreements and adopted strategic partnership declarations with 10 member countries of the European Union. Therefore, we believe we can be immensely useful in building bridges among various key players addressing climate change issues."

During his address, the head of state also highlighted energy security concerning oil and gas. He noted that Baku was home to the world's first commercial oil well drilled in 1846 and that during the 19th century, Azerbaijan produced over half of the world's oil: "When we are labelled an oil state today, it is unjust and reflects ignorance regarding political culture. Presently, Azerbaijan's share in global oil production stands at 0.7 percent and 0.9 percent in natural gas production. Yet some media outlets from countries that rank first globally in oil production—producing thirty times more oil than Azerbaijan—continue to classify us as an oil state. They should redirect their focus either on themselves or their neighbour that produces ten times more oil than Azerbaijan. Moreover, Azerbaijan's share in global gas emissions is merely 0.1 percent."

The head of state expressed disappointment regarding double standards and hypocrisy among certain politicians as well as misinformation propagated by some Western media outlets while noting boycotts from certain groups at COP29: "I have bad news for them: we have 72,000 registered participants from 196 countries—including 80 presidents, vice-presidents, and prime ministers. Thus, the world has convened in Baku, and we extend our welcome to everyone!"

Speaking at the summit, UN Secretary-General António Guterres assured Azerbaijani representatives of support for their endeavours: "The Chairmanship can fully rely on our cooperation to help ensure your conference's success." He emphasized that it is time to act with focus on three priorities. First is an urgent 9% annual reduction in global emissions—by 2030 they must be reduced by 43% compared to 2019 levels. Second is enhancing efforts to protect populations from the devastating impacts of climate crises; by 2030, adaptation funding needs could reach $359 billion annually. Developed nations must expedite doubling funding for adaptation needs to at least $40 billion per year by 2025. The third priority revolves around finance: "COP29 must dismantle all barriers hindering climate finance. Developing nations should not leave Baku empty-handed; an agreement is essential. We require a new financial target that aligns with current circumstances."

Important Components of the Summit

Within COP29's framework, President Ilham Aliyev engaged in numerous bilateral meetings with high-ranking officials from participating countries. Among those he met were leaders from Finland, Czech Republic, Poland, Pakistan, Türkiye, Spain, United Kingdom, Bulgaria, Hungary, Albania, Jordan, Belarus—as well as officials from the European Union, EBRD, FIFA, among others.

During his meeting with Charles Michel, President of the Council of the European Union, they discussed prospects for developing ties between the EU and Azerbaijan. Michel noted climate change remains one of EU's priority topics while expressing hope that significant decisions regarding climate change would arise from COP29. Ilham Aliyev praised Michel's involvement during mediation efforts between Armenia and Azerbaijan—recognizing his facilitation of forming both negotiation structure and agenda across crucial sectors.

In his discussion with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, President Ilham Aliyev reiterated Azerbaijan's commitment towards fostering consensus and solidarity among various nations. The importance of addressing global climate change was emphasized; it remains a priority issue documented within Future Summit agendas alongside UN documents. In response Guterres expressed readiness for comprehensive support towards ensuring Azerbaijan's successful chairmanship.

Ilham Aliyev also met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan who congratulated Baku on its success at COP29 stating that organizing such an expansive event within a limited time-frame deserves commendation. Ilham Aliyev noted that preparations for COP29 took eight months while adhering strictly to high environmental standards alongside sustainability principles during this period. They exchanged views regarding prospects for friendship-driven relations underpinned by strategic alliance between Azerbaijan and Türkiye.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer congratulated President Ilham Aliyev on hosting COP29 alongside his leadership during this event, stating climate change ranks among UK’s key priority issues while emphasizing Azerbaijan’s contributions towards combating global climate change are worthy of praise. Ilham Aliyev acknowledged advancements made throughout negotiation processes, highlighting progress achieved concerning paragraph six outlined within Paris Agreement representing positive developments.

An important outcome emerged from a trilateral meeting between leaders from Azerbaijan Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan—the signing of agreement between the governments three countries on the strategic partnership focused on development and transfer of green energy. Subsequently with participation from all three leaders occurred signing ceremony titled Executive Cooperation Programme On the Development and Transfer of Green Energy involving ministries responsible for energy across respective nations along with Kingdom Saudi Arabia.

A separate meeting between Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Uzbekistan yielded noteworthy outcomes. These included the opening of a garment factory in the city of Khankendi, which was held via videoconference and attended by both presidents. The factory is intended to enhance economic cooperation and investment relations between the two countries, and it was launched under the guidance of the presidents involved. The total cost is estimated at approximately ₼11 million, and it is designed to operate using local Uzbek raw materials. It is expected that approximately eighty percent of the production will be exported internationally, which will contribute significantly to growth. The facility, occupying an area of approximately 1.2 hectares, is projected to reach manufacturing production of three to five million units of varying knitwear products per year. In a priority move, the factory is hiring returnee citizens residing in adjacent liberated territories post-occupation.

The meeting between the presidents of Azerbaijan and Bulgaria resulted in the signing of a Joint Development Agreement between SOCAR and Asarel Energy.

Additionally, the COP29 event hosted the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Summit on November 13. This summit featured the participation of and addresses delivered by the respective leaders of the SIDS. The relevant issues raised on this day reiterated calls upon developed nations, particularly those with colonial histories, to assist small island entities facing challenges.

"Azerbaijan's collaboration as the host nation during COP29 with small island developing states has reached a new level today. Their voices deserve greater prominence across global platforms," President Ilham Aliyev stated during the summit proceedings, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to providing assistance to small island communities affected by natural disasters, including hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods. He also highlighted his efforts to enhance food security and safeguard cultural heritage, as evidenced by the aid offered across more than eighty nations, including twenty small island states, throughout Azerbaijan's chairmanship within Non-Alignment Movement.

Simultaneously, Ilham Aliyev indicated that the current overseas territories belonging to France and the Netherlands, notably those located in the Pacific and Caribbean Islands, are facing severe challenges. He asserted that these territories remain disproportionately vulnerable due to the impacts of climatic alterations, citing rising ocean levels, natural disasters, and biodiversity depletion as significant threats confronting these regions. Additionally, he asserted that metropolitan authorities are actively suppressing voices emerging from these states.

A variety of exhibitions, seminars, and cultural events pertaining to climate change were held within the Green Zone, which was designated as an area for official negotiations (Blue Zone hosted sessions). The media focused its attention on a conference entitled Youth on the Frontline Fight against Climate Change. This conference was attended by First Ladies from various countries, including Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye, and Azerbaijan. Azerbaijani First Lady, Mehriban Aliyeva, articulated optimism regarding COP29, stating that it presents an opportunity to initiate platforms that foster cooperation, experience sharing, and the development of joint projects amongst the youth generation. "We are modifying our national targets for emission reduction and transitioning to clean energy. Based on current projections, we anticipate that our installed production capacity will reach the 32% benchmark by 2027, which is three years ahead of our initial target of reaching the 30% benchmark by 2030."

Furthermore, the objective is to establish zero-emission zones, with the target completion date being 2050. This specifically refers to the liberated areas of Garabagh and East Zangezur, as well as the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, and the major solar and wind energy projects that are currently underway. The production, export, and green energy sectors represent the priorities that are guiding Azerbaijan's energy strategy, according to remarks made by Mehriban Aliyeva before witnessing the signing ceremony regarding the International Strategy Promoting Cultural Development Involvement of Children, Youth, and the Climate Agenda.

Signals From Baku

The world's leading media outlets provided extensive coverage of COP29. The Financial Times reported that a significant achievement occurred on the first day, when consensus was reached regarding the standards necessary for constructing carbon dioxide emission credits. The newspaper also published a statement asserting that: Despite the outcome of the recent election, the COP29 climate summit agreed to launch multi-billion-dollar carbon markets that will be governed under UN emissions rules. This decision was made in light of the fact that nations around the world are still striving to demonstrate their commitment to fighting against climatic alterations in the future. The progress made during the initial negotiations led to COP29 endorsing regulations pertaining to global trade instruments that reflected the levels of carbon emissions trading, which were regarded as a triumph. Azerbaijan hosted the conference ahead of tough discussions addressing alternative financing methods that could assist larger polluters in mitigating emissions and generating revenue, while also developing nations adapting to the effects that arise due to climatic challenges.

Bloomberg corroborated the advancement of understanding through the establishment of agreements surrounding the UN-administered global carbon market, emphasizing the establishment of a new marketplace that is regarded as the gold standard for emissions trading. This new marketplace is facilitating access to billions of dollars in financing, which is targeting emission reductions in developing realms. The buyers of these credits are predominantly wealthy nations that are capable of meeting their respective climate objectives by utilizing credits derived from projects that are reducing pollution.

In contrast, Reuters reported findings from Baku that highlighted the International Emissions Trading Association (IETA), a collaborative group that fosters global carbon markets. The IETA emphasized that total trades occurring within a UN-backed framework are projected to generate $250 billion annually by 2030, yielding reductions approximating five billion metric tons of carbon emissions yearly.

In a recent article published on The Guardian, COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev articulated remarks that were critical of an agreement, asserting that: "We welcome this positive moment, which represents a productive step towards ensuring the success of the ongoing discussions in Baku."

The COP29 conference in Baku provides an opportunity to develop effective and equitable resolutions to address the most pressing issues concerning climate change. It is a significant event in the realisation of commitments made regarding climate matters, and it also offers pathways for promoting harmonious and sustainable coexistence between humanity and nature.