World leaders have begun arriving in Baku, Azerbaijan, for the highly anticipated 29th edition of the Conference of Parties (COP29), a critical event in the global fight against climate change. Taking place at the Baku Olympic Stadium, the conference is drawing over 60,000 participants, including heads of state, ministers, activists, and representatives from non-governmental organizations, all gathered with a singular purpose: to accelerate climate action on a global scale.
The arrival of world leaders marks the beginning of intense negotiations, discussions, and commitments that will shape the future of the planet’s climate trajectory. As the conference formally opens, it brings together countries that have a shared responsibility to confront the unprecedented challenges posed by climate change. The outcome of COP29 could very well determine the direction of future environmental policies and the path toward achieving the goals set in the Paris Agreement.
A key moment at the start of the conference was the symbolic exchange of the gavel, marking the official handover of the COP Presidency from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Azerbaijan. Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, the outgoing COP President from the UAE, extended his full support to Azerbaijan’s COP29 President, Mukhtar Babayev, urging global leaders to take bold and decisive steps in addressing the climate crisis. In his speech, Al Jaber called on all participating nations to demonstrate their unity, responsibility, and will to take meaningful action, stressing that the world’s future depends on their ability to work together and deliver tangible results.
Azerbaijan’s presidency of COP29 brings a fresh perspective to the table. As a nation that has faced significant environmental challenges due to its location in a region vulnerable to climate impacts, Azerbaijan has a unique opportunity to lead efforts that highlight the importance of adaptation, resilience, and sustainable development. Babayev’s leadership will be closely watched as he navigates the complexities of climate diplomacy and seeks to build consensus among both developed and developing nations.
One of the most significant events during COP29 will be the World Leaders Climate Action Summit, which is expected to take place later this week. This summit, as the highest-level event of the conference, will feature speeches and commitments from heads of state, with Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi of Kenya expected to deliver an address. His participation underscores the importance of global South nations in shaping the discourse and ensuring that the concerns of vulnerable countries are addressed in the climate negotiation process. Countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America have long argued for greater climate justice, including the need for financial support to help mitigate and adapt to climate change, as well as a fairer distribution of the burden of climate action.
The World Leaders Climate Action Summit will likely be the stage for critical announcements regarding financial commitments to support developing countries in their climate efforts. For instance, discussions will center around the mobilization of climate finance, which remains a key sticking point in international negotiations. Developing countries have called for greater financial contributions from wealthier nations to help them transition to clean energy and build resilience against climate disasters. A strong commitment to meeting the $100 billion per year goal for climate finance will be an important litmus test for the success of COP29.
In addition to financial commitments, the summit is expected to feature pledges to enhance international cooperation in research, technology transfer, and capacity-building to support climate resilience. These commitments will be crucial for accelerating the global transition to net-zero emissions, a goal that continues to be a central focus of climate negotiations.
As the first days of COP29 unfold, there is a palpable sense of urgency in the air. The world is watching closely, hoping that this conference will mark a turning point in global climate action. While the challenges are immense, there is also an unprecedented opportunity to forge a path toward a more sustainable and equitable future for all. The next two weeks will determine whether the international community can rise to the occasion and deliver the bold actions needed to safeguard the planet for future generations.
