BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 30. COP29 in Azerbaijan will be among the most significant events this year, Helga Schmid, OSCE Secretary General, told Trend in an exclusive interview.
"COP29 will be one of the most important events this year, and this is why we plan to engage, bringing our results and initiatives to the table when it comes to climate and security. Climate change is the defining challenge of our times, and the OSCE is uniquely positioned to address the risks it poses," she said.
Schmid emphasized the organization's role in bringing together countries across the region to take concrete action against the multifaceted threats posed by climate change.
She noted that climate change acts as a "risk multiplier", exacerbating existing challenges in the region. "With our physical presence on the ground in many countries, the OSCE is in a unique position to bring together countries from across the region and take concrete actions to help tackle these challenges," the SecGen said. A recent example of this was the OSCE's initiative in March 2024, where Environment Ministers from across Central Asia convened in Ashgabat to discuss collaborative approaches to environmental challenges.
The OSCE's work focuses on addressing the potential security risks stemming from climate change by raising awareness of its scope and implications. The organization works closely with governments, experts, and civil society to enhance their ability to adapt to these challenges. "We're also making sure this knowledge is shared across borders," Schmid added.
As COP29 approaches, the OSCE continues to engage with participating states on climate security issues. Schmid highlighted the organization's growing involvement, noting that the OSCE gained observer status at COP28, supported the Central Asia Pavilion, and hosted an event on regional cooperation and climate security. In July, the SecGen traveled to Baku to discuss Azerbaijan’s priorities with the COP29 presidency and explore how the OSCE can further contribute to global climate efforts.
Further speaking, Helga Schmid pointed out that OSCE remains actively engaged with Azerbaijan and Armenia on the peace prospects.
"Throughout my time as Secretary General, we have worked on various ideas and steps to move the political process towards achieving sustainable peace, which is so critical after many years of confrontation and human suffering. The OSCE, and in particular the Secretariat, continues to be actively engaged in both countries, through political dialogue and projects. I am convinced that the OSCE’s experience and confidence-building measures can contribute to making lasting peace finally a reality," she concluded.