Azerbaijan places special emphasis on environmental protection and the mitigation of climate change, undertaking significant efforts to deliver on these goals. A clear example of this is the unanimous decision to have our country host the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), considered one of the world’s largest and most prestigious events. As noted by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, this is testament to the international community's profound respect and trust in our country.

Through his speeches at key events such as the Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council, the Petersberg Climate Dialogue, the 6th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus" Meeting, the Informal Summit of the Organization of Turkic States in Shusha, and the 2nd Shusha Global Media Forum, as well as in various television interviews, President Ilham Aliyev has outlined the architecture of Azerbaijan’s COP29 Presidency.

At the core of this vision is the principle that countries rich in oil and gas should not be blamed for their natural resources.

President Ilham Aliyev emphasized that, rather than shifting blame, both developed and developing countries must contribute to addressing climate challenges according to their capabilities.

Under the slogan "In Solidarity for a Green World", our country, exemplifying leadership in addressing global issues like climate change under the guidance of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, calls on all nations to strengthen solidarity for a greener, fairer, more inclusive, and sustainable world.

As part of preparations for hosting COP29, President Ilham Aliyev chaired a meeting on December 15, 2023, where he issued directives to begin preparatory work immediately.

By order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on January 7, 2024, Mukhtar Babayev, the Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, was appointed as the COP29 President-Designate.

By order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on January 13, 2024, an Organizing Committee was established for the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), the 19th session of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP19), and the 6th session of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement (CMA6). Additional orders on January 19, 2024, and February 22, 2024, expanded the composition of the Organizing Committee.

The Organizing Committee, led by Samir Nuriyev, Head of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Chairman of the Committee, holds regular meetings to efficiently manage preparations for COP29 and facilitate discussions on key agenda issues.

The COP29 Action Plan has been adopted and is being implemented by the relevant government agencies.

COP29, which will be held at the Baku Olympic Stadium from November 11 to 22, 2024, will be the largest event Azerbaijan has organized to date and the first in broader region. The Host Country Agreement and other important documents have already been signed between the Government of Azerbaijan and the Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

The World Leaders Climate Action Summit, the highest-level event of COP29, will take place on November 12-13, 2024.

The primary expectation for the COP29 Presidency is an agreement on a fair and ambitious New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on climate finance.

The COP29 Presidency has put forward 14 initiatives covering topics such as the link between climate action and sustainable development goals, green energy zones and corridors, energy storage, harmony for climate resilience, agriculture, clean hydrogen, methane reduction from organic waste, green digital action, and more. Additionally, one of the initiatives includes the establishment of the Climate Finance Action Fund.

As emphasized by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, COP29 is a result of a peace process, and in this regard, one of Azerbaijan's COP29 Action Agenda initiatives will be the "COP Truce Appeal."

During the COP29 Presidency, attention will also be given to the issues faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS), which are most severely impacted by climate change. The COP29 Presidency will ensure their voices are heard and will provide financial support for their participation in COP29. This commitment was highlighted during meetings between the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, the Governor-General of Tuvalu, the Prime Minister of Tonga, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Bahamas, as well as in his address to the International Conference of Small Island Developing States held in Antigua and Barbuda. It has been met with great appreciation by the international community.

Following the decision for Azerbaijan to host COP29, various countries, international organizations, and other foreign counterparts have expressed their desire to collaborate closely with Azerbaijan in this area. Accordingly, strong cooperation is continuing with relevant international partners.

To support the successful organization of COP29, an International Advisory Committee has been established, comprising several prominent figures, and is actively holding meetings.

Additionally, to promote scientific collaboration in addressing climate change, the COP29 Scientific Council has been formed, bringing together renowned scientists and experts from leading universities and think tanks worldwide. The Council holds meetings on relevant topics.

The COP29 Presidency is working efficiently towards the successful organization of COP29 and advancing climate negotiations. Numerous productive meetings are being held with Parties to agree the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) for climate finance, which is expected to be adopted during COP29. Constructive dialogue is ongoing with all Parties.

As emphasized by Ilham Aliyev, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, our country will spare no effort in building a bridge between developed and developing countries, achieving consensus during COP29, and ensuring that COP29 is a success.

Detailed information about COP29 can be obtained from the website: www.cop29.az.