BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 18. Azerbaijan’s role as the host of COP29 underscores the country’s expanding influence on the global stage and its proactive leadership in addressing climate change. The high standard of the event further demonstrates Azerbaijan's exceptional organizational capabilities, its commitment to sustainable development, and its active contributions to tackling global environmental challenges.
The extensive preparatory efforts, significant financial investments, and state-of-the-art infrastructure have reinforced Azerbaijan’s standing as a key global player in climate action.
Following the decision to host COP29 in Baku, the Azerbaijani government swiftly initiated large-scale preparations. The necessary infrastructure was built at the Baku Olympic Stadium, a modern venue equipped with cutting-edge information technology and security systems, ensuring both the comfort and safety of international delegates attending the event.
Reviews of Azerbaijan's hosting of COP29 have reinforced the country’s exceptional level of preparation for the event. UK Environment Secretary Michael Gove hailed Baku's role as a host, calling it "a step that raises global organizational standards" and commending Azerbaijan's exemplary work in this regard.
US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate Action John Kerry also highlighted Azerbaijan’s leadership in tackling global climate challenges. "Azerbaijan is the ideal host for COP29," he said, adding that "Baku provides the perfect platform for global cooperation and constructive dialogue."
World Bank President Ajay Banga praised Azerbaijan's organizational efforts, emphasizing that the country is setting a vital example not only in hosting global events but also in advancing environmental equity on the global stage.
Banga's comments come at a time when climate change issues have moved beyond scientific discussions to become central to geopolitical debates in an era of global cooperation. Countries most affected by climate change—particularly those in the Global South—are increasingly united in their calls for urgent action, recognizing that there is no time left for debate.
The COP29 conference in Baku further solidified Azerbaijan’s position as an active leader in addressing the world’s most pressing issues, showcasing the country's commitment to tackling global climate challenges.
COP29, one of the UN's flagship climate events held annually since 1992, has brought together around 200 countries, including heads of state from some of the world's most influential nations. The diverse participation—from countries with multi-vector foreign policies like Türkiye and Saudi Arabia to leaders of Western powers such as the UK and Italy—highlights the growing significance of the conference in shaping global climate policy.
A central issue at this year’s gathering was the call from Global South nations for substantial financial support to address the impacts of climate change. These countries, which are among the most vulnerable to environmental degradation, are demanding increased funding to help mitigate climate-related disasters. At the same time, contentious issues such as the European Union's trade restrictions and its policy on cross-border carbon emissions have sparked debate. Countries like China and India have criticized the EU’s carbon regulations, arguing that they violate the principles of free trade.
Although no consensus was reached on these issues, the ongoing dispute underscored the urgent need for a unified global approach to climate challenges.
A major obstacle remains the lack of sufficient financial resources to implement comprehensive climate action plans. While a 2009 agreement called for the allocation of $100 billion annually to address climate change, this target has been met only sporadically. In response, nations in the Global South are calling for the figure to be increased to $1 trillion, pushing for a more equitable financing model to ensure that vulnerable countries can access the necessary funds to combat the climate crisis.
The UN Climate Secretariat is grappling with significant challenges due to insufficient funding, with delays in climate actions and reduced working hours underscoring the limitations of collective global efforts.
A central focus of COP29 has been the definition of the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG), a key financial target for addressing climate change. Azerbaijan has made its stance clear, stating that the financial responsibility for combating global climate change should not fall solely on developing nations. The country has emphasized that solving environmental challenges requires a concerted effort from all UN member states.
At present, the financial resources needed to address climate change are estimated in the trillions of dollars. According to the UN, developing countries must receive at least $100 billion annually by 2025 to fund climate change projects. However, the current pace of funding remains insufficient, underscoring the need for more robust international support to meet these ambitious goals.
Azerbaijan's modern COP29 platform is setting the stage for more effective global discussions and is expected to drive tangible outcomes in the fight against climate change. High-level meetings and decisions taking place throughout the conference will pave the way for more ambitious climate targets.
By hosting COP29, Azerbaijan has not only demonstrated its exceptional organizational capabilities on the world stage but has also proven itself as a model nation in addressing global environmental challenges. However, for these efforts to yield lasting, sustainable results, developed countries must take on greater responsibility, increasing both financial and technological support for climate action.
Azerbaijan's proactive initiatives underscore its position as a leader in global diplomacy, taking concrete steps to solve pressing global issues. This positions Azerbaijan at the forefront of global climate diplomacy.
The COP29 conference has shown that global leadership on climate change is achievable. While the Baku meeting has centered on environmental issues, it has also evolved into a broader platform to address key global political challenges. Tackling climate change is now seen as a critical step towards securing a safer, more sustainable future for humanity.
However, real progress will require a radical shift in global policy. Azerbaijan has made an important stride in this direction, setting a powerful example of leadership in the fight for a better future for mankind.