COP29: Why Azerbaijan is seeking partnerships with countries with limited connections and partnerships

In our pursuit of unity, we seek to bridge divides between the Global South and the Global West. COP29 must be a force multiplier and integrator, bringing together countries that have historically had limited connections and partnerships. One such example is the burgeoning partnership between Azerbaijan and Kenya. While our countries have enjoyed good relations in the past, we recognize the need to strengthen our collaboration, particularly in light of Kenya's pivotal role in addressing climate change. That is why Mukhtar Babayev, President of COP29, met with President Ruto on the sidelines of the United Nations Environment Assembly in March.

Kenya's proactive initiatives, including hosting the first-ever African Climate Summit and President Ruto's leadership of a special committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change, exemplify the kind of bold action needed on the global stage. The Lake Turkana Wind Power Project in Marsabit County, which is the biggest wind farm in Africa and produces enough renewable energy to power one million homes, serves as a shining model to follow for other nations across the developing world as they look to undertake their own green transition. It should come as no surprise that Ali Mohammed – Kenya's Special Envoy on Climate was recently elected Chair of the African Group of Negotiators (AGN). Azerbaijan is excited to join forces with Kenya so that, together, we can amplify our impact and drive meaningful progress both in the lead-up to COP29 and beyond.

The urgency of climate action cannot be overstated. The cost of inaction is considerable, with projections suggesting that a 3°C increase in global temperatures could result in a staggering $27 trillion in damages by 2100. Conversely, the cost of action is substantial but necessary, estimated to reach $4 trillion per annum by 2030. Having worked for the UN in the past, I have witnessed the devastating impact of climate change firsthand. Floods and droughts have become increasingly destructive and come in faster and faster cycles that are beyond unsustainable. Billions are spent on emergency responses to save lives once disaster strikes. Tragically, however, I have seen these efforts come too little too late more than once. Much more needs to be done to halt the pace of climate breakdown instead of simply dealing with its consequences.

Events like COP29 or the recent sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) are important examples of how the nations of the world can coordinate their environmental protection efforts in a collective way. The leadership shown by the United Nations Environment Programme in advancing the global environmental agenda is commendable, and we must continue to build upon this momentum. The COP Presidencies ‘Troika’, launched at COP28, which connects the three presidencies of COPs 28, 29 and 30, was a landmark achievement in ensuring such momentum would and could be maintained.

But this isn’t simply a mission for Kenya and Azerbaijan: the countries of the developed world need to do their part by doing more to provide Kenya –and, indeed, Africa more broadly– with greater access to funding, technology transfer, and capacity-building support to enhance its climate change efforts. Furthermore, if we are to succeed in limiting global temperature rises to below 1.5°C, we must recognise that a holistic approach is needed when addressing this most complex of challenges.

The author is Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Republic of Kenya