BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 21. A high-level event “Celebrating Water’s Lifeline for Climate, Nature, and People” has started within COP29, Trend reports.
In his speech, COP29 President and Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan, Mukhtar Babayev, emphasized the need to address water as a cross-cutting issue in global policy, given its connection to climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and desertification.
"Water must be considered an integral element of all global policies. This year, water is a key focus in COP29's agenda for climate action for the same reason.
We acknowledge that tackling water-related challenges demands sustained attention and action across COPs. The COP29 Declaration on Water and Climate Action will catalyze dialogue and collaboration, focusing on shared climate stress challenges, enhancing water and climate policies, and advancing scientific research on the impacts of climate change on water resources and ecosystems," he said.
Babayev also announced the launch of the Dialogue on Water and Climate Action.
"This platform will serve as a mechanism for cooperation between COPs, ensuring continuity and a sustained focus on water-related issues. It will examine the interconnectedness of water, climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and desertification, with a particular emphasis on driving action at both the international and regional levels," he added.
Inger Andersen, UN Deputy Secretary-General and Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), said that 119 countries have submitted their national biodiversity targets, which include water-related goals.
"The 6th UN Environment Assembly, which took place in February this year, adopted a resolution to strengthen water policies and enhance water management initiatives. More than 90 percent of the submitted NDCs contain important water-related elements, which is a positive development.
119 countries have already submitted their national biodiversity targets. However, the harsh truth is that these commitments are not being fulfilled, neither in terms of funding nor in terms of actions or integrated approaches. This is why this Baku Water Dialogue is so important. We must move much faster and shift from a sectoral approach to an economy-wide perspective," she said.
Andersen noted that urban infrastructure, agriculture, water use, and storage, as well as natural reservoirs, need to be reviewed.
German Environment Minister Steffi Lemke stressed the importance of water in climate adaptation efforts and expressed her country's support for the Baku Water Dialogue.
"Water is a critical sector for adaptation and essential to achieving global adaptation goals. Water policy must be seamlessly integrated into national adaptation plans. We have much to learn from each other in water management, and I am confident that the Baku Dialogue will serve as a vital platform for this exchange. Germany is eager to actively participate in this important dialogue," she said.
The minister stated that Germany fully backs the Baku Declaration on Water, emphasizing that the Baku Dialogue will help foster focused discussions and drive the implementation of practical solutions.
"Water is the foundation of all life and a critical element in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, including climate change mitigation and adaptation. It is also the 'messenger' of the climate crisis—too often present in extremes, either in devastating surpluses or alarming shortages. We are witnessing an increase in droughts, worsening water scarcity, and catastrophic floods. Our goal is for water to be part of the solution, not just a symbol of the crisis," the minister added.
UK Environment Minister Mary Creagh also supported the Baku Declaration on Water, referencing the severe droughts and water shortages faced by Europe, including in rivers like the Danube and Rhone.
"In 2023, we experienced the driest year for rivers in 30 years, with serious consequences. A glance at the Rhone or the Danube reveals the massive damage being done to food systems, transportation, and clean energy production. This is why, at COP26, the UK hosted the first-ever water pavilion to highlight the critical importance of water in addressing these challenges. We are pleased to see the role of water growing with each successive COP.
This commitment continues today as we proudly announce the UK's full support for the COP29 Declaration on Water. We fully back this initiative and look forward to seeing this powerful 'river of action' flow through Belém and beyond. Achieving this will not be easy, but it is an essential task," she said.