BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 16. Parliamentary solidarity is key to tackling the climate crisis, said Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament Sahiba Gafarova, Trend reports.
She made the remark as she addressed the Parliamentary Meeting within the framework of the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), organized jointly by the Inter-Parliamentary Union and Azerbaijani Parliament. Sevil Mikayilova, the Vice President of the IPU from Azerbaijan and a member of the Azerbaijani parliament, is taking part in the event.
"Indeed, we, members of parliament, as the representatives of our peoples, communicate with them on a daily basis. We are the first to witness devastating effects of climate change on them. And by bringing to the forefront their needs and perspectives, parliaments take the ownership of the process and make it more inclusive. Our parliaments possess necessary tools, through legislation, budgeting or oversight, to support our governments in advancing climate action. I am sure that most of our parliaments have already enacted laws that focus on emission reductions, energy transition and green development," she said.
Climate change is humanity’s biggest challenge that goes beyond any national borders and demands collective efforts, Gafarova further added.
"It gives me an immense pride and joy to see so many parliamentarians from around the world to join us here today. It shows our unity for common cause with strong involvement to the process. Our parliamentary cooperation in sharing our knowledges, expertise and best practices gains a special significance and benefits us all. I would also like to commend the role of the Inter-Parliamentary Union. Staying true to its vision of dialogue and solidarity, it mobilizes us around vital initiatives, including climate action and ensures our voices being heard.
But as the climate crisis is getting worse, the task of eliminating adverse effects of climate change gets harder. Because we have less and less time. It is evident that fight against climate change needs even more. And in these circumstances, there is also a need for us to step up our involvement," the parliament speaker concluded.