Baku: In an exclusive interview with AZERTAC, Azerbaijan’s Deputy Foreign Minister and COP29 Lead Negotiator Yalchin Rafiyev discussed the intricacies of the COP29 and COP30 conferences, highlighting Azerbaijan’s pivotal role and the strategic opportunities these events have created for the country’s climate policy and Green Development Strategy.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Rafiyev elaborated on the continuity between COP29 and COP30, emphasizing that each conference builds upon the decisions of its predecessor. COP29 focused on climate finance, resulting in the Baku Finance Goal which mandated Azerbaijan and Brazil to develop the ‘Baku to Bel©m Roadmap to 1.3T’. This roadmap was subsequently presented at COP30, which focused on adaptation and mitigation issues, thus shaping the agenda for future conferences.
The decisions made at COP29, particularly regarding climate finance and the call for updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), played a significant role in forming COP30’s priorities. Azerbaijan, part of the COP Troika with the UAE and Brazil, encouraged countries to submit new NDCs, significantly boosting participation in this global effort.
Azerbaijan was entrusted with significant responsibilities at COP30, despite Brazil holding the official presidency. These included the sensitive task of determining the host for COP31, which was awarded to Trkiye. Azerbaijan also collaborated with Norway on implementing the Global Stocktake (GST) document from COP28, further solidifying its standing in international climate negotiations.
The outcomes of COP29 and COP30 have opened new avenues for Azerbaijan’s climate policy, with an ambitious plan to reduce emissions by 40% by 2035. The plan integrates measures across all sectors of the economy, prioritizing renewable energy investments while gradually transitioning away from traditional energy sources.
Hosting COP31 in Trkiye presents strategic advantages for Azerbaijan, allowing it to spotlight regional climate issues on a global stage. The event will also enable Azerbaijan to share its COP experiences with Trkiye, enhancing bilateral cooperation in climate diplomacy and aligning agendas for joint initiatives.
The Azerbaijan-Trkiye partnership is expected to yield concrete results, with Azerbaijan poised to assist Trkiye in hosting its first COP, sharing expertise and fostering collaboration. This cooperation underscores the mutual commitment to advancing climate goals.
The main outcomes of COP29 and COP30 include the adoption of key documents such as the Global Goal on Adaptation and the Mitigation Work Programme. These decisions, along with the establishment of a new Troika mechanism involving Azerbaijan, Brazil, and Trkiye, signify a strengthened collaborative effort in addressing climate change challenges.
The financial decisions made at COP29 aim for a target of US$300 billion, with practical implications anticipated in the near future. However, geopolitical shifts have prompted some countries to reallocate climate funds, posing risks to the finance goal. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) continues to monitor contributions, with the latest report showing US$118 billion in climate finance for 2022. Tracking these dynamics will be crucial in assessing progress towards the Baku Finance Goal for 2035.