By Dare Akogun
The 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP29, commenced in Baku on Monday, placing an urgent focus on securing new climate finance commitments for developing nations amid escalating global challenges.
Delegates from nearly 200 countries have gathered in Azerbaijan’s capital for the two-week summit, where negotiators aim to increase the current $100 billion annual climate finance target for low-income countries that are particularly vulnerable to climate impacts.
Mukhtar Babayev, COP29 president and Azerbaijan’s Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources delivered a powerful opening address, warning that the world is on a “road to ruin” and stressing the summit’s critical role in securing the future of the planet.
“Colleagues, we are on a road to ruin. But these are not future problems. Climate change is already here,” he said. Babayev highlighted that those most affected by the crisis are often invisible, “suffering in the shadows…dying in the dark,” and emphasized that the COP29 forum must be a “moment of truth” for climate action.
Babayev called on global leaders to rise to the occasion, stressing the need for decisive action. “People are crying out for leadership and action. COP29 is the unmissable moment to chart a new path forward for everyone,” he urged.
Babayev also emphasized that the summit would test the world’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and its targets, asserting that “we must now demonstrate that we are prepared to meet the goals we have set ourselves.”
Simon Stiell, the United Nations climate chief, also addressed delegates, underscoring the gravity of the issues at hand while urging cooperation despite global tensions. “In tough times, up against difficult tasks, I don’t go in for hopes and dreams,” he stated.
Stiell outlined COP29’s key objectives, which include setting a new global climate finance goal, finalizing the rules for international carbon markets, and securing stronger commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The UN Climate chief conveyed his belief in human resilience and the power of collaboration.
“What inspires me is human ingenuity and determination. Our ability to get knocked down and to get up again over and over until we accomplish our goals,” he said.
In a rallying call for unity, he added, “Now is the time to show that global cooperation is not down for the count. It’s rising to this moment. So let’s rise here together.”
Also speaking at the opening ceremony President of COP 28 Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, expressed optimism that COP29 will achieve a new success in Azerbaijan.
He underlined that currently, 55 countries have officially joined the initiative to globally boost renewable energy potential, but this number should be increased.
‘More is still needed to describe the consensus reached in Dubai as historic, ” he said.
As COP29 progresses, the African continent, among the regions most affected by climate change, will be closely monitoring outcomes, especially regarding climate finance commitments. For Africa and other vulnerable regions, securing adequate funding for adaptation and resilience-building remains critical.
