UAE And Azerbaijani COP29 Presidency Host Meeting To Advance Climate Resilience Initiatives

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alongside the Azerbaijani COP29 Presidency, organised a two-day meeting from 26th to 27th February at the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy in Abu Dhabi. The gathering aimed to enhance joint efforts and build climate resilience in vulnerable nations. It brought together stakeholders from climate-vulnerable countries, international organisations, climate funds, multilateral development banks, think tanks, and other relevant parties.

Nickolay Mladenov, Director-General of the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, welcomed attendees by highlighting the link between diplomacy and climate action. He stressed the importance of cooperation among governments, international organisations, and other stakeholders to build climate resilience. This event built on the UAE Declaration on Climate, Relief, Recovery, and Peace (RRP), launched at COP28 in Dubai Expo City in 2023.

Abdulla Ahmed Balalaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability, emphasised COP28's legacy as the first to dedicate a day to this topic. The Climate RRP initiative has been endorsed by 94 countries and 43 organisations. Balalaa stated that "The UAE remains committed to working closely with all partners to ensure that the commitments we make today translate into action."

Yalchin Rafiyev, Azerbaijan's Deputy Foreign Minister, reiterated COP29's commitment to enhancing international cooperation for vulnerable nations. He highlighted the Baku Call on Climate Action for Peace, Relief, and Recovery as a framework for supporting these countries. The Baku Climate and Peace Action Hub plays a crucial role in delivering tangible solutions.

The meeting explored creating an operational framework for the Network of Vulnerable Countries. This framework aims to improve outreach to partners and enhance needs assessments. It also focuses on strategising project implementation to tackle climate challenges effectively.

Elshad Iskandarov, Ambassador and Senior Adviser to the COP29 Presidency, led discussions building on the momentum from COP29's "Network" of Climate Vulnerable Countries launched during PRR Day on 15th November 2024 in Azerbaijan. The Network addresses critical climate finance needs in nations most affected by climate change with limited funding access.

Collaborative Efforts for Tangible Solutions

The Baku Hub is set to drive concrete projects with Co-lead countries and stakeholders. It aims to launch pilot projects in conflict-affected climate-vulnerable countries with high humanitarian needs. "The Baku Hub will drive concrete projects," Rafiyev noted.

This event was convened by the COP29 Presidency with support from ODI Global and partners like the Baku Hub and Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy. Participants included ministers from various countries who focused on practical solutions addressing conflict and climate change impacts.

The ongoing collaboration between COP28 UAE and COP29 Azerbaijan Presidencies underscores their shared commitment outlined in the COP28 Declaration on Climate Relief, Recovery, and Peace. This partnership aims to empower vulnerable communities while promoting lasting peace through enhanced climate resilience initiatives.

With inputs from WAM