Baku: The 13th Global Baku Forum has featured a panel session titled 'Beyond Negotiations: The Battle to Keep COP Alive.' The panel was moderated by Jean Baderschneider, a member of the Board of Directors of Fortescue Ltd. The session underscored the significance of the COP Conference as a pivotal platform for addressing global climate issues and exploring ways to maintain its effectiveness amid political disagreements and international tensions.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Murat Kurum, Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change of Trkiye and COP31 President-Designate, expressed his gratitude to Azerbaijan for facilitating the sharing of COP experiences within the Global Baku Forum. He emphasized the critical role of international cooperation in tackling climate challenges.

Mukhtar Babayev, Representative of the President of Azerbaijan for Climate Issues and President of COP29, addressed the panel, highlighting the immense pressure on the entire UN system. He emphasized the need for hard work to not only achieve successful outcomes at the COP but also to implement previously agreed-upon decisions. Babayev pointed out that while nations allocate significant resources to security and defense, climate change remains a pressing reality that affects everyone.

Other notable speakers included Salaheddine Mezouar, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Morocco and President of COP22; Michal Kurtyka, President of COP24 and former Minister of Climate and Environment of Poland; Sameh Shoukry, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt and President of COP27; Petar Stoyanov, former President of Bulgaria; and Hafsat Abiola, Climate Justice Program Lead at Vital Voices Global Partnerships.