2 Weeks to the COP on the Steppe!
Keeping you updated about the COP on the Steppe!
Welcome to the seventh edition of our COP29 newsletter! As Baku gears up for this historic climate conference, we're here to keep you informed with the latest updates, insights, and news leading up to the event.
Stay tuned for more updates as we cover the key developments surrounding COP29 and its potential impact on the region and beyond.
Countdown to the COP: 2 Weeks to go!
Insights:
The COP29 president-delegate unveiled nine climate-focused pledges on October 21, targeting sectors like agriculture and waste to reduce methane emissions and guide progress on climate action. Although not binding, these texts are designed to support COP29’s goals. The European Parliament also called for COP29 to address a post-2025 climate finance goal and to phase out fossil fuels and subsidies, reinforcing Europe’s stance for an ambitious, fossil-free economy.
Health and humanitarian issues will be key at COP29. The WHO hosted a webinar on integrating health with climate for a sustainable future, while the ICRC urged COP29 to recognize the climate risks facing conflict-affected areas, calling for adaptive financing. Additionally, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan will form a green energy partnership at COP29, underscoring Central Asia’s commitment to sustainable energy. The WTO’s trade-focused initiatives at COP29 will further spotlight how trade, investment, and climate action intersect on the global stage.
Other Developments around COP29 last weekÂ
The BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) organization has expressed its commitment to the successful hosting of COP29 in Baku, via the Kazan declaration of the 16th summit of the organization.
IMF and WTO will present materials and host events at COP29, focusing on climate adaptation, trade, and investment as key areas for regional resilience and sustainable development.
British Council and COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company launched educational and public awareness initiatives, including an online sustainability training program and cultural events, to boost climate awareness and sustainable habits.
Nepal’s President confirmed attendance at COP29, while Papua New Guinea will not participate.
Sustainability training for Baku’s hospitality sector, led by the COP29 team, aims to align local hotels with international climate standards and ensure secure, inclusive event hosting.
Transportation logistics are in place, including a digital map on the COP29 website and free public transport for attendees, ensuring smooth movement and promoting sustainable travel.
COP29 Accreditation and Uniform Centre opened to provide eco-friendly uniforms to over 10,000 staff and volunteers, underscoring the event’s commitment to sustainability.
Trends from COP
Jihad Azour, Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department at the IMF, highlighted the Fund's crucial role in preparations for COP29 in Azerbaijan. The IMF has ramped up its support to member countries on climate issues, focusing on accelerating transformation and financing long-term climate priorities. Azour emphasized the IMF’s commitment to COP29, citing recent analytical work on adaptation, mitigation, and climate finance in the Caucasus and Central Asia region.
For more details: IMF looks forward to playing important role at upcoming COP29 in Azerbaijan - Jihad Azour on trend.az
Polling on regional attitudes towards COP29
Our polling aimed to assess satisfaction with renewable energy initiatives in the region, specifically in areas such as solar, wind, and hydropower.
Results indicate relatively low satisfaction, with an average score of 6.0 on a 10-point scale. Only 30% of respondents rate their satisfaction at 8 or higher, while 16% express low satisfaction (scoring between 1 and 3). Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan show slightly higher satisfaction levels, with mean scores of 6.4 and 6.3, indicating moderate contentment with renewable initiatives in these areas.
In contrast, Georgia displays the lowest satisfaction, with an average score of 5.5, and 27% of respondents reporting low satisfaction. This suggests a significant gap in perceived effectiveness or implementation in Georgia, highlighting room for improvement in public engagement and the impact of sustainability programs.
What We’re Reading
Preparing for COP 29: Seven critical success factors - The Oxford Institute for Energy Studies
COP29 and parliaments: Will finance take centre stage? - Inter-Parliamentary Union- Think Tank
COP29 glossary: Explaining the most used conference terminology - The Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change
If you have any questions re contents of this newsletter or need advice or assistance at COP29, please don’t hesitate to contact us at eurasia@montfort.london, or our partners at Trend at news@trend.az.