The 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) witnessed the issuance of a joint statement by a group of international partners, including international organizations, multilateral development banks, and global climate funds, endorsing the Baku Initiative on Human Development for Climate Change Adaptation.
This statement comes as part of ongoing efforts to support human development as an essential component of climate action, emphasizing the importance of providing quality education and health and enhancing the capacities of communities to face the challenges of climate change.
The foundation of climate action
The statement clarified that human development is at the core of climate solutions, as enhancing the ability of individuals and communities to adapt to the impacts of climate change is an integral part of climate action.
The initiative aims to link issues related to human development, such as education, health, and jobs, with climate adaptation strategies, supported by adequate and transparent funding.
The presidency of COP29 organized a comprehensive day for human development, which brought together these intertwined issues and prioritized them in this year's climate agenda.
This day was marked by discussion sessions and consultations on how to integrate issues of education, health, employment, green skills, and providing opportunities for children and youth within the framework of responding to climate change.
Baku Initiative: Enhancing international cooperation
Several prominent international organizations, including the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Labour Organization, and development banks like the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), signed the guidelines for the Baku Initiative on Human Development and Climate Adaptation at the high-level meeting in Baku.
We have also shared global climate funds like the Global Fund, the Green Climate Fund, and the Adaptation Fund.
During the panel discussion, "Is investing in skills a climate commitment that matters?" Elmar Mammadov, the chief negotiator and head of the initiative group for the 29th Conference of the Parties, reaffirmed his position. The conference adopted the joint statement and guidelines for the Baku Initiative, marking an important step toward activating international cooperation in the framework of human development issues and climate change adaptation.
A comprehensive and multifaceted methodological strategy
The statement expects collaboration among various parties to enhance climate financing and integrate human development issues into climate adaptation strategies, leading to tangible improvements in education and health in areas most vulnerable to climate change.
Mammadov pointed out that the process included consultations with a wide range of stakeholders, including civil society, think tanks, development banks, and international organizations, with the aim of ensuring transparency and inclusivity.
COP29 expectations
The COP29 continues its vital discussions on achieving global climate goals, particularly regarding climate financing.
The conference presidency launched 14 initiatives addressing topics such as green energy corridors, green energy storage, reducing methane emissions from organic waste, as well as focusing on green digital technologies.
The organizations expect the conference to agree on the climate finance goal, a top priority.
COP29 priorities
Azerbaijan is organizing the 29th Conference of the Parties in Baku, the first of its kind in the region and the largest event in its history, at the Olympic Stadium until November 22, 2024.
On November 12 and 13, the World Leaders' Summit on Climate Action took place, during which the leaders delivered a joint speech to unify efforts in addressing climate change and achieving sustainable development goals.
It is worth noting that the COP29 is a key platform for launching new climate initiatives that contribute to building a more sustainable future.
International partners' approval of the Baku initiative has strengthened climate action by offering comprehensive solutions that prioritize human development and climate change adaptation, thereby enhancing the world's ability to adapt to these growing challenges.
