Antalya, Türkiye, April 12. Ahead of COP29,
people doubted that the world could agree or that Azerbaijan could
deliver – they were wrong on both, said COP29 President Mukhtar
Babayev, as he addressed the 4th Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Trend reports.
“Today, the global geopolitical situation is very difficult,”
Babayev said during the panel on Climate Diplomacy and Energy
Security in the New Era. “We are facing setbacks. And following the
first calendar year at 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels,
there are growing doubts about our future.”
Babayev expressed optimism, citing the outcomes of COP29 in Baku
as a turning point. He highlighted key achievements, including the
adoption of the Baku Finance Goal – to mobilize at least $300
billion annually for developing countries by 2035 – the launch of
the Loss and Damage Fund, and progress on carbon markets and
transparency.
“These breakthroughs proved that countries can agree,” he said.
“They demonstrate that the multilateral process can deliver. And
they will help unlock trillions of dollars in climate finance.”
Babayev also underscored continued international commitment: “In
multilateral meetings from Berlin to Tokyo, officials are stepping
up to demonstrate their support. The will to stick together and
continue is there.”
Looking ahead, Babayev emphasized the need to support Brazil as
the next COP30 host. “We need to back Brazil. Successful outcomes
in these negotiations will be critical indicators that the world is
still willing and able to find common ground.” He outlined several
priorities for the coming year, including drawing up the “Baku to
Belém Roadmap” in coordination with Brazil’s COP30 presidency. The
goal is to scale up climate finance to $1.3 trillion annually by
2035.
Babayev called on donor countries to present clear plans for
their contributions toward the $300 billion goal and stressed the
importance of national climate plans that are transparent and
credible. “These reports are an opportunity. Because robust and
credible reports can give a green light for green investment.”