BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 13. To address global climate challenges, all countries should have equal access to technologies, knowledge, nuclear energy, and investments, said Shina Ansari, Vice-President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, as she delivered her national statement during the COP29 summit in Baku, Trend reports.
She expressed gratitude to Azerbaijan for hosting the conference, calling it an "opportunity for inclusive actions" to address climate change, based on principles of "common but differentiated responsibilities".
In her speech, the VP underscored the importance of national sovereignty and priorities in tackling climate issues and urged equal access to technology, investment, and nuclear energy for achieving a global energy transformation.
A key focus of her remarks was on the impact of unilateral sanctions on climate action. She argued that "illegal unilateral sanctions" undermine member states’ ability to access crucial resources and technologies, warning that, "until these sanctions are completely lifted, expecting adherence to environmental objectives of the Convention is unjustified and irrational". She called upon all COP29 participants to "condemn these political measures" and to work towards removing such restrictions.
The VP highlighted Iran’s climate initiatives, which include general policies on climate change management and expanding the green economy. These initiatives, she noted, have been included in Iran's seventh five-year development plan, underscoring the country’s commitment to addressing climate threats despite significant economic and political obstacles.