BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 6. A dialogue conference
on “COP29 and Beyond – Peace, Security, and Climate Change” was
concluded in Bonn (Germany) with the participation of leading
representatives of civil society and think tanks active in the
field of climate in Europe, Trend reports.
The conference discussed measures to combat the depletion of
water resources, improve food security, support populations
affected by climate change, and mine action.
Delivering a final report at the conference as a representative
of the COP29 presidency, Ambassador at Large of the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, Elshad Iskandarov, noted that the
issues of global climate change and international peace are closely
linked and have mutual influence.
“More and more data demonstrates that wars and conflicts, as
well as their consequences—the destruction of biodiversity,
emissions of harmful substances, mine pollution—not only pollute
the environment but also bring humanity closer to the irreversible
‘red line’ of climate change.” Iskandarov noted that COP29, which
Azerbaijan will host this year, is an important opportunity to
discuss these threats and find concrete solutions.
The Ambassador emphasized that the unanimous election of
Azerbaijan as a COP29 host is proof of the world community’s trust
in the political will of our country and its ability to contribute
to the solution of global problems, taking into account the
interests of all parties. Azerbaijan is committed to creating
opportunities for a broad discussion of the complex of issues
“Peace, Security, and Climate Change” with the participation of
representatives of civil society and experts and is open to
concrete proposals in this field.
Additionally, noting that meetings with representatives of
international NGOs were held in connection with Azerbaijan’s
chairmanship last month, the diplomat regarded this as an indicator
of our country’s persistence in realizing the principle stated in
connection with the inclusiveness of COP29.
This November, Azerbaijan will host COP29. The COP28 plenary
meeting in Dubai on December 11 last year made this decision. Baku
will become the world’s center, receiving about 70–80,000 foreign
guests.
At the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992, the United
Nations signed the Framework Convention on Climate Change as an
agreement to prevent dangerous human interference with the climate
system. The COP—the Conference of the Parties—is the highest
legislative body overseeing the implementation of the Framework
Convention on Climate Change. 198 countries sign the Convention.
Unless the parties agree otherwise, the COP is held annually. The
first COP event took place in March 1995 in Berlin, and its
secretariat is located in Bonn.