This is at least demonstrated by the fact that on well-known informational platforms, which have established themselves as anti-Azerbaijani, there is hardly any information about the progress of the conference. Some might find such a conclusion strange. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that the absence of information about this major event, which has been running for five days, indicates the inability of anti-Azerbaijani forces to find flaws in COP29. Otherwise, without a doubt, these platforms would already be filled with screaming headlines and biased analytical, so to speak, articles. Thus, even with all their apparent desire, these media outlets found themselves powerless during the forum to uncover any shortcomings on the part of the organizers.
Thus, the success of such a significant event for humanity as COP29 is not a figment of anyone’s imagination but a result of the processes unfolding within the forum. And to substantiate this, let us provide data documented in detail on the UN portal. First and foremost, an editorial piece published on the site ahead of the opening of COP29 in Baku stated that conferences of this nature are the main international summits for decision-making in the field of climate change.
In relation to COP29, it was initially emphasized that agreements to overcome the climate crisis were expected in Baku. The primary priority of the Baku platform was defined as the coordination of a new goal in the field of climate financing, which should “provide each country with the means to take more decisive actions in the field of climate, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create resilient communities.” In this context, the conference aimed to address the issue of “mobilizing trillions of dollars needed by developing countries to mitigate harmful carbon emissions, adapt to climate change, and overcome the losses and damages caused by it.”
Already on the first day of the forum, participants agreed on strict standards for a centralized carbon market under the auspices of the UN, which, according to Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), was a crucial step towards concluding negotiations on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on Climate. According to Youssef Nassef, Director of the Adaptation Division of the UNFCCC, Azerbaijan’s proposals are important “in terms of experience in the field of climate change and how to cope with it,” given the country’s “coastline on the Caspian Sea, which is vulnerable to rising sea levels and their impact on infrastructure, while Azerbaijan also has many different climate zones—from coastal to mountainous.” Moreover, official Baku understands both “the fossil fuel industry” and the “vulnerability associated with it.”
Following this initial success, more and more discussions on pressing global issues followed, with the presentation of various projects and frank discussions during thematic meetings.
For instance, the discussion of the production and fair distribution of mineral resources, including those needed for the production of electric vehicles and solar panels, was very emotional. Equally active was the discussion of the report “Integrity Matters,” which incorporated 10 recommendations serving as practical guidance for achieving net-zero emissions.
Parallel to this, there were discussions about a report by the UN Refugee Agency, which recorded the frequent placement of people forced to flee war, violence, and persecution on the front lines of the global climate crisis. Nearby was information about the creation of a multilateral targeted fund of the UN Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA). Representatives of the participating countries in this project (Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan) signed the Baku Joint Ministerial Statement on the establishment of the SPECA Climate and Innovation Dialogue, aimed at promoting regional cooperation in combating climate change, green technologies, and innovation.
Youth also played a significant role. For instance, a roundtable initiated by the Youth Advisory Group and YOUNGO (the official youth constituency of COP29), with the participation of the UN Secretary-General, allowed eco-activists from various countries to express their views on fighting climate change. Sharing their dreams and fears, participants spoke about real steps that, in their view, could make the world more sustainable and safe for future generations.
Perhaps even this information (we repeat, it is taken from the UN portal) is enough to understand what issues are not just being discussed but are being resolved within COP29. In light of this, let’s be honest: none of the active participants of the forum is at all interested in whether France or, say, the Netherlands is represented at the conference. Perhaps the leaders of these states are shocked by such an indifferent view of whether they are participating in COP29 or not. Thus, Paris and Amsterdam have driven themselves into a political deadlock, left out of the picture, and deprived themselves of the opportunity to take part in the Celebration (with a capital letter!).
So let France and the Netherlands continue to bite their elbows, even though they are far from being protected from climate and environmental problems. For example, recent information has spread in France about concerns over leaked data in the press that pesticide use is leading to a growing number of cancer cases among children. There are numerous such cases, but we decided to limit ourselves to just one fact since it directly concerns children.
Thus, our caravan continues to move forward. Sometimes through thorns, but still clearly and unambiguously! COP29 expands its activities, and Azerbaijan confidently strengthens its position in the world.
Teymur Atayev
