In an exclusive interview with AZERTAC, Azerbaijan’s Deputy Foreign Minister and COP29 Lead Negotiator Yalchin Rafiyev discussed the similarities and differences between COP29 and COP30, the influence of COP29 decisions on COP30’s agenda and priorities, the significant missions entrusted to Azerbaijan at COP30, and their implications. He also highlighted the opportunities created by the outcomes of COP29 and COP30 for Azerbaijan’s climate policy and Green Development Strategy, the advantages of COP31 being hosted by Türkiye, and the expected results of Azerbaijan-Türkiye cooperation.
– What are the similarities and differences between COP29 and COP30?
All COPs are interconnected parts of a sequential and chain-like process. In other words, each COP complements the previous one. For example, as is known, COP29 was dedicated to climate finance, while COP30 focused more on adaptation and mitigation issues. In fact, the outcomes of COP29 formed a certain mandate for COP30. The Baku decision on climate finance adopted at COP29 – the Baku Finance Goal – granted a special mandate to Azerbaijan and Brazil as COP29 and COP30 presidencies, respectively. Under this mandate, the preparation of the “Baku to Belém Roadmap to 1.3T” was envisaged. In line with the mandate, Azerbaijan and Brazil jointly prepared and presented this roadmap at COP30.
In addition, other decisions were adopted at COP30. For instance, an event related to the organization of the Baku Dialogue on Adaptation was held within the COP30 framework.
COP30 itself also defined additional mandates for Azerbaijan, as COP29 President, together with Brazil and the next host country, Türkiye. These mandates involve presenting plans for the implementation mechanisms of the roadmap. Ultimately, there is a continuity link between COPs, and the connection between COP29 and COP30 stems precisely from this principle.
– How did COP29 decisions influence the formation of COP30’s agenda and priorities?
A number of decisions were adopted at COP29 in various areas. However, the most important point here is not only the decisions related to climate finance but also the calls for parties to submit updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). This call, together with the decisions, became part of COP30’s outcomes and contributed to the success of the process. As is known, Azerbaijan was represented in the COP Troika together with the United Arab Emirates and Brazil. One of the main goals of the Troika was to encourage countries to prepare new NDCs. Before COP30, few countries had joined this call and submitted their documents. However, thanks to the joint efforts of Azerbaijan, the UAE, and Brazil, as well as various multilateral events organized throughout the year, significant momentum was given to countries’ participation in this process.
– What important missions were entrusted to Azerbaijan at COP30, and what is their significance for our country?
Although Brazil held the official presidency at COP30, the trust Azerbaijan has earned within the COP community over the years, the confidence countries place in our nation, and our positive experience as a bridge between the Global North and South allowed Brazil to entrust certain important missions to Azerbaijan. One of these missions was related to determining the host of COP31. The candidates were Australia and Türkiye, and choosing between them was considered a highly sensitive issue.
Another important matter concerned the Global Stocktake (GST) document adopted at COP28 in Dubai. The mission of preparing dialogue events to be held within the framework of its implementation was entrusted to Azerbaijan and Norway. The preparation of an important document related to the three main pillars of the GST was also part of this process.
As a result, success was achieved in both directions: Türkiye was selected as the host of COP31, and it will also chair the event, while Australia will conduct consultations with Türkiye during the negotiation process. At the same time, the adoption of the GST-related document was made possible thanks to the efforts of Azerbaijan and Norway.
– What new opportunities have the outcomes of COP29 and COP30 created for Azerbaijan’s climate policy and Green Development Strategy?
As is known, Azerbaijan has already submitted its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for the coming years. In this document, our country’s climate ambitions have been significantly increased. In particular, the targets set for 2050 have been brought forward by 15 years to 2035. The new plan includes a 40% reduction in emissions and covers extensive measures across all sectors of the economy, including all greenhouse gas categories. This plan is not only an international commitment but also a real action program integrated into national policy. In the coming years, investments in the energy sector, including adaptation measures to be implemented in various areas of the economy, will ensure the execution of this plan. Expanding renewable energy sources will be a key priority, and although completely abandoning traditional energy sources in the near future may not be possible, investments in wind and solar energy will increase rapidly. This is an important step both for the clean energy transition and for the transformation of the economy.
– What advantages does hosting COP31 in Türkiye offer Azerbaijan?
The organization of COP31 in brotherly Türkiye is, first and foremost, a source of pride for our country and creates an opportunity to once again bring the climate issues of the region to the attention of the international community, following Azerbaijan. In addition, Türkiye has several global initiatives in the climate field. In particular, the “Zero Waste” initiative put forward by Türkiye’s First Lady Emine Erdoğan is positively received internationally, and its broader promotion at COP31 is important for both Türkiye and Azerbaijan. COP31 will be a significant stage for Azerbaijan’s more active participation in climate diplomacy, and discussions will be held to align the agenda with Türkiye.
– What concrete results are expected from Azerbaijan-Türkiye cooperation?
Azerbaijan has gained significant experience from COP29. Considering that Türkiye will host a COP for the first time, Azerbaijan is fully ready to share its positive experience with the brotherly country and has already expressed this at both ministerial and team levels. In the near future, Türkiye is expected to officially invite the Azerbaijani delegation to share COP experience. After this visit, joint cooperation directions will be defined more precisely.
– What were the main outcomes of COP29 and COP30?
The outcomes of COP29 have already been fully determined. At COP30, a package of decisions presented by Brazil was adopted. The most important among them are the decision on the Global Goal on Adaptation and the Mitigation Work Programme. These are only two main documents of the package, but other documents also exist. In addition, the new Troika mechanism involving Azerbaijan, Brazil, and Türkiye is considered one of the important outcomes.
– What are the practical implications of the financial decisions adopted at COP29?
The main decision at COP29 was adopted with a target of US$300 billion. The practical results of the decision’s implementation will manifest in the near future, as certain changes have occurred in the geopolitical environment after the decision was adopted. Some countries have redirected their climate-related expenditures to defense and security. In this regard, certain risks still exist. Additionally, there are risks concerning the multilateral development banks expected to contribute to the finance goal. It is not yet clear how much these banks will contribute to the target.
There are institutions that track activities, allocated funds, and contributions. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), based in Paris, annually records climate finance provided by developed countries to developing countries. We are currently awaiting their next report. This report will reflect how much funding has been collected on an annual basis. Although reports are presented with some delay, this information will allow us to monitor the dynamics. The last time, for 2022, approximately US$118 billion was recorded. Thanks to the new report, it will be possible to observe the level of growth since that period. Based on this dynamic, it will be possible to determine how close or far we are from the Baku Finance Goal for 2035.
