Just, equitable action vital, says COP29’s Mukhtar Babayev BAKU: The highly anticipated COP29 UN climate change conference opens on Monday in Baku, Azerbaijan, bringing together world leaders, experts, and activists to tackle the urgent environmental challenges facing the planet. Running through Nov. 22, this year’s event is centered around the theme “In Solidarity for a Green World.” With over 50,000 participants expected, including top industry leaders and policymakers, COP29 aims to drive global climate action. However, several key leaders — EU President Ursula von der Leyen, US President Joe Biden, and Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva—will be notably absent, according to Reuters. COP29 has a special focus on climate finance, as parties aim to set a New Collective Quantified Goal on funding. Expectations are high as delegates prepare to discuss topics including carbon emissions reduction, sustainable development, and the integration of climate resilience into national policies. Azerbaijan is a significant producer of fossil fuels, just as last year’s host the UAE, but COP29 President-Designate Mukhtar Babayev told Arab News recently that hosting the conference is a sign of change. “Like Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan has historically been a significant energy producer, particularly in oil and gas. Hosting COP29 signifies our shift from traditional energy sources to embracing renewable energy solutions,” he said. “This event will allow us to showcase our ongoing efforts to diversify our energy mix, investing heavily in wind, solar, and hydrogen energy projects,” he added. The conference aims to deliver support for urgent action and foster a sense of shared responsibility between international organizations. Babayev highlighted Azerbaijan’s role in coordinating global efforts. “We hope that COP29 in Azerbaijan will serve as a platform for developing nations to voice their unique climate challenges and solutions. “As a country that has faced environmental and economic transformation, Azerbaijan understands the delicate balance between development needs and climate responsibility,” he said. He added: “We can facilitate inclusive dialogues between the Global South and developed nations to ensure that climate action is equitable and just.” Commenting on the country’s preparations for the influx of visitors, Babayev said: “In terms of logistics and to ensure Baku is ready to host thousands of delegates from across the globe, we have been investing in the city’s infrastructure, with a strong emphasis on sustainability.” Moreover, investments are being made in expanding green public transportation options, enhancing conference facilities, and optimizing urban mobility to minimize environmental impact during the event, he stated. “Additionally, we are committed to achieving a green COP by integrating renewable energy into the event’s operations and aiming for a zero-waste policy throughout the conference,” said Babayev. Some of its established environmental protection initiatives, according to Babayev, include reforesting degraded areas and protecting the Caspian Sea. “COP29 will spotlight these initiatives and encourage international collaboration to replicate them.” Although the path ahead is challenging, COP29 represents a crucial opportunity to turn ambition into tangible results for generations to come. “We are prepared to lead, innovate, and foster the international cooperation needed to tackle the climate crisis and build a more sustainable future for all,” said Babayev.