The Pre-COP29 climate talks opened today in Baku, Azerbaijan, with the central theme of “Raising Ambitions and Ensuring Action.”
The meeting, held a month before the main COP29 conference, is geared towards aligning participants of the Paris Agreement on key issues related to climate change and setting the foundation for successful outcomes at the upcoming summit.
In his opening address, COP29 President-designate and Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan, Mukhtar Babayev, acknowledged the progress made so far but called for increased urgency and collaboration to achieve significant milestones.
He emphasized the importance of using the Pre-COP meeting to reach consensus on crucial areas and avoid leaving major decisions until the final climate summit.
“Pre-COP29 will help us make progress on such important issues as the ‘New Collective Quantitative Objective’ on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and clarify matters related to the formation of the international Loss and Damage Response Fund and the Green Climate Fund,” Babayev stated.
According to him, the conference will also focus on building consensus to support the financial commitments made during COP28, which include the mobilization of $1 trillion annually to tackle climate challenges in developing nations, particularly island states.
He noted that climate finance will be a major topic during the Pre-COP29 consultations and at COP29 itself.
Babayev further revealed that the upcoming discussions in Baku will delve into two critical components of the Paris Agreement: the two-year transparency reports (BTRs) to be submitted by the end of 2024 and countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which are expected to be submitted by February 2025.
“The implementation of these commitments will determine real steps to reduce greenhouse gas and non-pollutant emissions.
“It is crucial that we make substantial headway in these areas before the main COP29 summit, where final collective approval will be sought,” he remarked.
Babayev also highlighted the global significance of decisions related to Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which governs carbon markets and international cooperation on emission reductions.
He urged participants to set aside political differences and prioritize the global climate agenda.
“We believe that all political differences should be put aside for the sake of a bright climate future. I am sure that this will be supported by all participants of COP29,” he concluded.
The Pre-COP29 meeting will continue over the next few days, with representatives from governments, international organizations, and civil society expected to engage in intensive deliberations aimed at narrowing gaps and aligning priorities ahead of COP29.
The outcomes of the Pre-COP29 are anticipated to lay the groundwork for enhanced climate action and stronger commitments during COP29, which will take place later this year.
By Dare Akogun
