In a sweeping move to drive global climate action, COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev has outlined an ambitious agenda targeting key climate pillars, promoting collaboration across demographics and sectors, and advancing sustainable development. The plan includes a range of initiatives, from climate finance to human development
Azerbaijan’s Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Mukhtar Babayev, who will preside over the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), has detailed a bold 'COP29 Action Agenda' aimed at enhancing global climate ambition and promoting collective action. In a letter dated September 17, 2024, Babayev called for worldwide efforts to drive sustainability, resilience, and inclusivity in the face of the escalating climate crisis.
The letter, addressed to UNFCCC parties, highlights key initiatives designed to address all aspects of climate action. The Presidency intends to involve a wide range of stakeholders—from global to subnational levels—fostering collaboration across sectors and demographics. Babayev underscored the importance of using the first Global Stocktake (GST) and other significant milestones as guiding frameworks for this collective global effort.
Key initiatives forming the core of the COP29 agenda include the Climate Finance Action Fund (CFAF), aimed at securing voluntary contributions from fossil fuel producers to drive green projects, and the Baku Initiative for Climate Finance, Investment, and Trade (BICFIT), which will promote investment in green diversification and support policy advancements. A special emphasis will be placed on human development through the Baku Initiative on Human Development for Climate Resilience, which seeks to enhance climate literacy, foster education investments, and build resilience in vulnerable communities.
Another key pillar is the Baku Harmoniya Climate Initiative for Farmers, designed to identify synergies in agriculture, food, and water sectors while empowering rural communities and women. Meanwhile, the Baku Global Climate Transparency Platform (BTP) will assist developing nations in meeting transparency requirements under the Paris Agreement, supporting their Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs) submissions.
Further initiatives will target green energy, energy storage, and grids, as well as hydrogen, methane reduction from organic waste, and climate action in tourism and urban planning. Babayev’s agenda also includes efforts to advance gender equality, youth empowerment, and the role of indigenous peoples throughout the conference’s thematic days and initiatives.
The thematic days, scheduled from 14 to 21 November, will cover a wide range of critical topics, including finance, energy, science and technology, human development, food security, urbanisation, and biodiversity.
The COP29 World Leaders Climate Action Summit, set for 12–13 November, will serve as a platform to galvanise political will and reinforce global commitment to tackling climate change. Babayev aims to demonstrate that political leaders across the world are ready to take decisive action to address the climate emergency.
In the lead-up to COP29, Babayev’s letter outlines the goals of uniting global stakeholders to raise their levels of commitment, develop synergies, and accelerate action on the climate front. Through initiatives such as the BTP and CFAF, Babayev hopes to build momentum and deliver meaningful, inclusive outcomes across all demographics and sectors.
The 'COP29 Action Agenda' is one of the most comprehensive international agreements in recent decades and is seen as a key step in reshaping global climate governance to address contemporary challenges. Babayev emphasised the need for innovation and flexibility in this rapidly changing world, stating that the current systems need to evolve to create a future that is both sustainable and equitable.
As the world prepares for COP29, the letter reinforces the critical role of the summit in galvanising action towards a green, resilient, and inclusive future for all.