Baku:Azerbaijan expressed deep appreciation for the efforts of Fiji, Tuvalu, and Australia in hosting the Pre-COP Leaders' Event, emphasizing the importance of addressing climate change on a global scale.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Azerbaijan, as the host country of COP29, is committed to advancing the global climate agenda. The country aims to connect the achievements of COP29 in Baku with future climate action, ensuring continuity toward a successful COP31.
The significance of holding the event in the Pacific, particularly in Tuvalu and Fiji, highlights the daily impact of climate change on these regions. Azerbaijan acknowledges its own climate challenges, such as the shrinking Caspian Sea and water scarcity, while recognizing that Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face existential threats from climate change despite contributing minimally to global emissions.
Azerbaijan has consistently advocated for the inclusion of SIDS in global climate policy discussions, emphasizing the need for international cooperation to address their unique vulnerabilities. During its COP29 presidency, Azerbaijan prioritized the concerns of SIDS and hosted leaders from the Bahamas, Tonga, and Tuvalu, resulting in the Baku Communique, which called for stronger global climate action.
The COP29 Leaders' Summit for SIDS provided a platform to highlight their challenges, and Azerbaijan urged developed countries to increase support for these nations. Azerbaijan has also engaged in bilateral cooperation with SIDS, providing disaster mitigation assistance and supporting projects in water supply, food security, and cultural heritage restoration. Over 10 SIDS have benefited from Azerbaijan's Educational Grant Program.
In 2024, Azerbaijan signed a Joint Declaration with the Commonwealth of Nations, pledging 10 million USD over five years for climate action projects in SIDS. The agreement also includes the use of satellite data from Azercosmos for environmental monitoring.
Azerbaijan remains committed to supporting SIDS in their sustainable development and climate resilience efforts and looks forward to contributing to the success of COP31 in Antalya, under the leadership of Türkiye and Australia.