By Faridat Salifu
As the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate (UNFCCC)
COP29 draws near, the conference organizing committee have had its fifth meeting in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.
The committee announced that the final text of the Host Country Agreement with the UNFCCC Secretariat is nearing completion.
Samir Nuriyev, Head of Azerbaijan’s Presidential Administration, presented this update during their latest meeting.
Nuriyev stated that the agreement text is being finalized with input from appropriate government authorities adding
that Azerbaijan has begun the active part of its COP29 leadership following the Bonn Climate Conference.
Proposals from various government agencies and discussions with the UN and international organizations have resulted in an initial list of 14 initiatives.
Additionally, the thematic days for COP29 have been scheduled in coordination with the UN.
The Baku’s meeting featured addresses from key figures, including Samir Nuriyev; Mukhtar Babayev, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources and President of COP29; Anar Alakbarov, assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Jeyhun Bayramov, Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Others are, Hikmat Hajiyev, assistant to the President and head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department; Ombudswoman Sabina Aliyeva; Minister of Emergency Situations Kamaladdin Heydarov; and Baku Executive Power Head Eldar Azizov.
Instructions were provided regarding the implementation of the Action Plan for organizing and conducting COP29 and other pertinent issues.
Meanwhile, Sultanov, Director-General of COP29, noted that Azerbaijan is actively discussing 15 initiatives as part of its COP29 agenda. Sultanov expressed confidence that Azerbaijan’s contributions will serve as an exemplary model for other countries.
“As the chair, Azerbaijan can introduce its own initiatives at COP29. We are currently discussing 15 initiatives, and I am confident that our preparations will demonstrate our effectiveness and set a positive example for others,” Sultanov told journalists.
He also emphasized the ongoing negotiation process within COP29, stating, “With the conference approaching, we aim to complete over 50% of our tasks by November 11 to ensure successful implementation.
“We maintain a neutral stance in negotiations, as decisions are ultimately made by participating countries, and discussions with the UN and international organizations have resulted in an initial list of 14 initiatives.”