Baku: Azerbaijan is a successful example for COP31, Director of the Climate Diplomacy Department of Azerbaijan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Elchin Allahverdiyev stated at the event titled 'From Commitments to Implementation: Healthy and Resilient Cities through Climate-City Partnerships,' held in Baku as part of the Fourth Climate Week of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, APA reports.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Allahverdiyev emphasized that Azerbaijan is keen on preserving a crucial element in the climate agenda of cities, highlighting that the availability of finance alone is insufficient for implementing climate action in urban areas. He stressed the need for financing to be measurable, predictable, and responsive to the specific needs of cities and regions. A significant issue highlighted was the access to financing, noting that resources available at international financial institutions do not automatically guarantee access for cities and regions.
The Foreign Ministry official pointed out that financing should align with national plans, development strategies, and local investment priorities. He underscored the importance of strengthening cities' capacity to prepare projects that can benefit from international financial resources and the necessity of building institutional capacity. Allahverdiyev called for international partners, including financial institutions, to actively participate in enhancing the capabilities of cities and regions.
He also noted the significance of broader representation of cities' climate actions on international platforms, particularly at COPs. With cities responsible for 70 percent of global emissions, Allahverdiyev stressed the importance of considering their concerns and expectations. The focus on sustainable cities within COP31 presents an opportunity to develop the platform further. He emphasized the need for discussions among stakeholders at COP31 concerning national plans, financing decisions, and both ongoing and potential projects. Azerbaijan, as the host country, is committed to maintaining the prominence of this important element on the agenda.