ISLAMABAD—In preparation for the upcoming COP29 conference to be hosted in Baku, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Khazar Farhadov, spoke at a seminar organized by the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) in Islamabad, expressing optimism about the pivotal climate discussions slated for later this year.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the seminar titled “Strengthening Transboundary Resilience: Enhancing Regional Cooperation” featured discussions on key climate and environmental challenges facing the region. Ambassador Farhadov highlighted the necessity for global solidarity and the mobilization of international climate finance to tackle these issues effectively. He emphasized that COP29, hosted by Azerbaijan, would serve as a critical platform for advancing these goals and described it as the “most significant international event of 2024.”

The event also featured prominent figures such as Senator Sherry Rehman, former Minister of Climate Change of Pakistan, who underscored the urgent need for action to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change, warning of a future marked by scarcity if swift measures are not taken. UNDP’s country representative to Pakistan, Dr. Samuel Rizk, addressed the critical issue of water scarcity, advocating for climate diplomacy that benefits all parties involved. Additionally, Farrah Naz, country director of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), provided insights into the agricultural challenges intensified by climate change in South Asia, predicting significant reductions in crop production by the century’s end. Jauhar Saleem, President of IRS, called for enhanced cooperation to address the escalating global threats posed by climate change.

The seminar served as a crucial precursor to COP29, setting a collaborative tone for the discussions expected to take place in Baku.