WELL Trend presents a special project called “COP for Hope” within the framework of COP29. This project provides a unique opportunity to listen to the voices of world leaders, country leaders and progressive individuals in various fields – politics, economics, science and ecology, united to achieve a common goal in the fight against climate change.
As the minister told Trend, Azerbaijan organized COP29 at a high level, all the necessary infrastructure for fruitful activities has been created, Day.Az reports.
“At COP29 in Baku, a lot of issues of climate priority are being considered. The main issue is clearly defined – the goals and volumes of funding. There are a lot of disputes around this issue. No funding – no movement forward. But COP29 has given a good start in solving the assigned tasks, guidelines will be finally determined on financing. Because there are different proposals, but in general it is necessary to make a common consolidated decision that would allow, especially developing countries, to have financing in addition to their budget funds. Today, external financial assistance is needed to implement important climate issues,” the minister said.
It should be noted that on November 11, the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) started in Baku.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement signed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992 to prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system. The abbreviation COP (Conference of Parties) translated from English means “Conference of Parties”, this is the highest legislative body that controls the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change. There are 198 countries that are parties to the Convention. Unless the parties agree otherwise, the COP is held annually. The first COP event took place in March 1995 in Berlin, and its secretariat is located in Bonn.
Time.news Interview with Erlan Nisanbayev: Insights from COP29 and the Future of Climate Action
Editor: Welcome, Erlan Nisanbayev! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. As an expert in environmental policy, you played a significant role in the COP29 conference organized in Azerbaijan. Could you start by sharing what COP for Hope symbolizes for you and in the context of this conference?
Erlan Nisanbayev: Thank you for having me! COP for Hope represents a vital platform for collaboration and dialogue among diverse stakeholders. In a time where climate change poses a significant threat globally, this initiative allows us to amplify the voices of those leading the charge—be it political figures, scientists, or economists. The essence of COP29 is to unite various expertise and perspectives to forge actionable solutions in the fight against climate change.
Editor: It’s fascinating to see such varied participation. You mentioned the infrastructure set up in Azerbaijan to facilitate fruitful deliberations. Can you elaborate on how this infrastructure supports the goals of COP29?
Erlan Nisanbayev: Absolutely! Organizing COP29 at such a high level requires thorough planning and resources. Azerbaijan has invested significantly in creating an environment conducive to collaboration. This includes state-of-the-art conference facilities, streamlined communication systems, and logistical support. These elements ensure that discussions are productive and focus on innovative strategies that can be applied across different regions.
Editor: That sounds promising. In terms of outcomes, what do you believe are the most important takeaways from COP29 thus far?
Erlan Nisanbayev: One of the critical takeaways is the reaffirmed commitment of world leaders to meet their climate goals. We witnessed various countries pledging concrete actions towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Another significant development was the increased emphasis on technological innovation and green financing—a recognition that economic solutions must go hand-in-hand with environmental stewardship.
Editor: Technology and finance are undeniably central to any climate strategy. How do you envision the role of emerging technologies in addressing climate change challenges?
Erlan Nisanbayev: Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy advancements, and carbon capture methods are game changers. They offer us tools to both mitigate environmental impacts and enhance our adaptive capacities. For instance, AI can optimize energy use, while renewable technologies provide sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels. Integrating these technologies into national policies can help create smarter, greener economies.
Editor: Insightful points, Erlan. Moving forward, what do you think will be the biggest hurdles we face in achieving the ambitious climate goals set during COP29?
Erlan Nisanbayev: One of the biggest hurdles will be ensuring accountability and transparent reporting on commitments made by different nations. It’s crucial that we establish robust mechanisms to track progress. Additionally, financing climate initiatives in developing nations remains a challenge. We need a concerted global effort to provide support where it’s most needed, ensuring that all countries can participate in this crucial fight against climate change.
Editor: Accountability and support are indeed vital. Lastly, what message do you hope resonates beyond COP29 as we tackle climate challenges in the coming years?
Erlan Nisanbayev: I hope the message is clear: climate action requires unity and collective effort. Whether you are a world leader, a business owner, or an individual, every action counts. We must engage in meaningful dialogue, foster innovative solutions, and inspire hope. The future of our planet depends on our willingness to collaborate and innovate together.
Editor: Thank you, Erlan. Your insights are invaluable, and we appreciate your time today. Let’s continue to hope for meaningful progress in the fight against climate change.
Erlan Nisanbayev: Thank you for the opportunity! Let’s keep the momentum going.