ANTALYA, Türkiye, April 12. Ahead of COP29, people doubted that the world could agree or that Azerbaijan could deliver - they were wrong on both, said COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev, as he addressed the 4th Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Trend reports.
“Today, the global geopolitical situation is very difficult,” Babayev said during the panel on Climate Diplomacy and Energy Security in the New Era. “We are facing setbacks. And following the first calendar year at 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels, there are growing doubts about our future.”
Babayev expressed optimism, citing the outcomes of COP29 in Baku as a turning point. He highlighted key achievements, including the adoption of the Baku Finance Goal - to mobilize at least $300 billion annually for developing countries by 2035 - the launch of the Loss and Damage Fund, and progress on carbon markets and transparency.
“These breakthroughs proved that countries can agree,” he said. “They demonstrate that the multilateral process can deliver. And they will help unlock trillions of dollars in climate finance.”
Babayev also underscored continued international commitment: “In multilateral meetings from Berlin to Tokyo, officials are stepping up to demonstrate their support. The will to stick together and continue is there.”
Looking ahead, Babayev emphasized the need to support Brazil as the next COP30 host. “We need to back Brazil. Successful outcomes in these negotiations will be critical indicators that the world is still willing and able to find common ground.” He outlined several priorities for the coming year, including drawing up the "Baku to Belém Roadmap" in coordination with Brazil’s COP30 presidency. The goal is to scale up climate finance to $1.3 trillion annually by 2035.
Babayev called on donor countries to present clear plans for their contributions toward the $300 billion goal and stressed the importance of national climate plans that are transparent and credible. “These reports are an opportunity. Because robust and credible reports can give a green light for green investment.”