The 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) has made significant strides in its second day, with major advancements in climate finance, Small Island Developing States (SIDS) support, and the integration of health into climate discussions. Key developments include the release of a draft decision text on the new climate finance goal, the adoption of the Baku Declaration to amplify SIDS voices, and a high-level engagement on early warnings and health within the climate agenda.
COP29 President Announces Draft Text for New Climate Finance Goal
In a pivotal moment for COP29, the co-chairs of the NCQG contact group published the first iteration of a draft decision text, marking a significant step in defining the new climate finance goal. This draft aims to guide the discussions and identify concerns around potential landing zones for the climate finance negotiations, one of the top priorities of the COP29 Presidency. The early release of the draft was welcomed by parties as a positive step forward, creating a workable foundation for further dialogue.
COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev emphasized the importance of engaging all parties in discussions and stressed the urgency of reaching an agreement, given the limited time remaining: “The clock is ticking, and we only have 10 days left,” he said.
Support for Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
A key focus of COP29 is strengthening the resilience of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the face of climate change. On the second day, the Leaders’ Summit of the SIDS was held, co-hosted by Azerbaijan, Samoa, Grenada, and Tonga. The summit provided a platform for leaders to discuss strategies for boosting resilience and improving access to climate finance.
In his address, Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev emphasized the need for developed countries to provide tangible financial and technical support to SIDS, urging global leaders to prioritize the protection of these vulnerable states. COP29 President Babayev also reaffirmed the conference’s commitment to elevating the voices of SIDS, highlighting their exceptional leadership despite limited resources.
Azerbaijan’s support for SIDS was further demonstrated through financial backing for delegates’ participation at COP29 and the preparatory meetings leading up to the conference. The Baku Declaration, which was adopted at the summit, underscored the urgent need for action to address the disproportionate impacts of climate change on these states and reinforced Azerbaijan’s role in advocating for their needs at COP29.
The COP Presidencies Troika Discusses Roadmap to Mission 1.5
The COP Presidencies Troika, consisting of the UAE (COP28), Azerbaijan (COP29), and Brazil (COP30), convened to discuss the “Roadmap to Mission 1.5.” The session focused on tracking the progress made in implementing the outcomes of the Global Stocktake and identifying gaps in climate policy development. The Troika agreed on strategic actions necessary for ensuring that the successes of COP28 are built upon and that COP30 follows a coherent path toward long-term climate goals.
Progress on Early Warnings and Climate Health Initiatives
COP29 also placed a strong emphasis on early warning systems and climate health, with notable engagements between the UN Secretary-General António Guterres and COP29 President Babayev. The two leaders discussed the critical need for comprehensive early warning systems to protect communities from climate hazards, reiterating the importance of international cooperation to achieve this by 2027.
In addition, a high-level session addressed how health can be better integrated into climate policies. The session highlighted the work of the WHO and the collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank to operationalize the Health Impact Investment Platform (HIIP), marking a step toward making health a central focus of future COPs.
World Leaders Climate Action Summit Concludes
The World Leaders Climate Action Summit concluded today, with 80 heads of state, government, and vice presidents in attendance. Key statements were made by influential leaders, including John Podesta, Senior Advisor to the US President for International Climate Policy, and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Discussions centered on advancing the Paris Agreement and the need for more robust climate actions on the global stage.
As COP29 continues, the focus on financial support for vulnerable countries, the integration of health into climate strategies, and the implementation of early warning systems promises to shape the future of global climate policy and action.
Note: We are also on WhatsApp, LinkedIn, and YouTube, to get the latest news updates, Join our Channels. WhatsApp– Click here, and for LinkedIn– Click Here
