COP28 And COP29 Presidencies Promote Climate Action For Peace And Humanitarian Relief

The 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) featured a significant event on climate action and finance, hosted by the presidencies of COP28 and COP29. This gathering focused on vulnerable countries facing conflict and humanitarian crises. Over 30 parties attended to discuss plans for the Peace, Relief, and Recovery Day at COP29 in Baku on 15th November. This follows the inaugural day held at COP28 in Dubai.

Discussions centred around policies, finance, and practices to help climate-vulnerable nations access financial resources. These countries face challenges due to conflicts and humanitarian issues. Despite their needs, they receive minimal climate finance globally. Investments in food, water, energy, and resilience can offer significant benefits for development and stability.

At the event in New York, major finance providers outlined initiatives for vulnerable settings. The Green Climate Fund shared plans for customised programs in fragile countries, building on its agreement with Somalia post-COP28. The Islamic Development Bank discussed its pledge to provide over US$1 billion of climate finance for fragile nations over three years.

Abdulla Balalaa, UAE's Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability, stated: "Climate investment in the most vulnerable countries is an urgent priority and a high-impact opportunity for development, humanitarian relief, and peace." He emphasised that COP28 brought significant political attention to this cause.

Azerbaijan has been a key player during its presidency by promoting this agenda. In July, the COP29 Climate and Peace Co-lead Group issued a communiqué stressing the need for enhanced action on water scarcity, food insecurity, land degradation, restoration, and climate-related migration.

Ambassador Elshad Iskandarov from Azerbaijan noted: "We appreciate dedicated cooperation with the UAE in the follow-up of flagship COP28 CRRP Declaration... The joint objective we share with the UAE... is to bring together different climate- and peace-related initiatives."

Political Commitment

Political commitment towards supporting climate action in conflict-affected areas has grown recently. Ninety-three countries and 43 organisations have signed the COP28 UAE Declaration on Relief, Recovery, and Peace. Last year’s COP28 marked the first Relief, Recovery, and Peace Day in COP history.

The UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) highlighted increased anticipatory actions under the Central Emergency Response Fund for climate threats. Azerbaijan also detailed plans for assessing progress since COP28 during its ministerial meeting at COP29 on 15th November.

This collaborative effort aims to enhance international cooperation and increase climate finance for those most affected by climate change impacts. By focusing on these vulnerable communities, stakeholders hope to prevent further loss and damage while fostering resilience through strategic investments.

With inputs from WAM