The important thing is that ambition must be strengthened and action must be allowed. We want to further increase the commitments made by countries at the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29).
As Day.Az reported on Thursday with reference to Trend, this was stated by the resident coordinator of the United Nations (UN) in Azerbaijan Vladanka Andreeva during the dialogue on the Sustainable Development Goals on the topic “Echoes of the Future: Coordinating efforts to combat climate change and global goals.”
She recalled that a few weeks ago, the countries of the world gathered in New York to adopt a pact for the future, a global digital agreement and a declaration on future generations. These three agreements will enable the UN to adapt to today’s challenges and become even stronger in providing solutions for all.
“But let me emphasize once again that our main task is to build on the UN Charter and the values and principles of international law. Consistency is very important, and the important condition is that we must strengthen ambitions and enable action.
The event will reveal whether the world is collectively moving in the right direction to keep average global temperatures rising below 1.5 degrees. Azerbaijan will make its contribution as host of the event ahead of COP29. But we know that assumptions alone are not enough. We need to scale up implementation and increase climate finance.
Of course, climate finance will be a key theme on the COP29 agenda, including a new collective quantitative target, reducing the impact of developing countries, as well as adaptation issues. These are very important tools in terms of adaptation and mitigation, especially for developing countries,” she added.
Let us remind you that the 29th session of COP29 will be held in November this year in Azerbaijan. This decision was made at the COP28 plenary meeting held in Dubai on December 11 last year.
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.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Vladanka Andreeva, UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, everyone, to this special interview. I’m delighted to have with us today Vladanka Andreeva, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan. Thank you for joining us, Vladanka.
Vladanka Andreeva (VA): Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
TNE: Let’s jump right in. You recently highlighted the importance of strengthening commitments at COP29. Why is it so critical that we see increased ambition from countries regarding climate action?
VA: That’s a great question. The science is clear: climate change is one of the most pressing challenges we face today. To combat it effectively, countries must raise their ambitions and take decisive actions. At COP29, we are looking for more than just words; we need tangible commitments to reduce emissions and enhance climate finance.
TNE: You also mentioned a recent gathering in New York where an agreement for the future was adopted. Can you elaborate on what this entails and how it fits into the broader landscape of international climate efforts?
VA: Absolutely. The conference in New York was a significant step forward. The global digital agreement, along with the declaration on future generations, aims to equip the UN with the tools necessary to address contemporary challenges. It strengthens our framework for coherent action across nations, ensuring that sustainable development and climate action are closely tied together in our efforts.
TNE: It sounds promising, but some might argue that previous commitments have not been fully realized. How do you ensure that this time around, there is accountability and follow-through from countries?
VA: Consistency is indeed crucial. We need to build on the values outlined in the UN Charter and adhere to the principles of international law. The challenge now is to create mechanisms for accountability. We’re calling for transparency in how countries report their progress on climate actions. This will help not only track commitments but also encourage nations to push the envelope even further.
TNE: During your talk on Sustainable Development Goals, you mentioned the need to coordinate efforts. Can you provide some examples of how countries can work together more effectively on climate initiatives?
VA: Certainly. One key area is technology transfer. By sharing innovative solutions and best practices, countries can leapfrog to cleaner technologies rather than starting from scratch. Collaborative financing initiatives can also help mobilize resources for developing nations, especially those most affected by climate change. We need to foster partnerships that can amplify individual efforts into collective impacts.
TNE: In your experience, what do you see as the biggest obstacle to achieving these climate goals?
VA: One of the major obstacles is political will. Often, climate initiatives take a backseat to more immediate economic concerns. There’s also the challenge of aligning diverse national interests with global goals. However, by framing climate action as an opportunity—rather than just a cost—we can engage more stakeholders in meaningful ways.
TNE: Lastly, for our audience who may feel overwhelmed by climate-related issues, what message can you share to inspire action on an individual level?
VA: Every action counts. Individuals can make a difference by making more sustainable choices in their daily lives and advocating for climate-friendly policies in their communities. We need to remember that meaningful change often starts from the grassroots level, so speak up, participate in local initiatives, and push your leaders for stronger climate action.
TNE: Thank you, Vladanka, for sharing your insights with us today. It’s been a pleasure talking with you about these pressing issues.
VA: Thank you for having me. Let’s continue to work together for a sustainable future.