Baku, November 20, AZERTAC

“Climate change issues must be managed by broader local communities. My main expectation from COP29 is to increase the participation of local communities in shaping climate policies, as they are the ones directly experiencing the severe effects of climate change. Unfortunately, these communities are often overlooked and excluded from decision-making processes,” said Didar Ali, a local climate activist from Pakistan’s northern "Globalist" community and organizer of the Mountain and Glacier Protection initiative, in an interview with AZERTAC.

He also emphasized the importance of ensuring that the Loss and Damage Fund (climate finance) is delivered directly to local communities. Highlighting the need for effective use of the fund, Didar Ali stressed that it is insufficient for countries to formally accept commitments during international events like COP29 without translating them into concrete actions. "These commitments often do not result in tangible measures. Proactive and result-oriented steps must be taken for local communities so that the fight against climate change can be genuinely effective."

Praising the high-level organization of COP29, the climate activist described the remarkable efforts of volunteers during the event. “Volunteers in the city have been assisting us everywhere, from metro stations to hotels and streets. Such meticulous organizational work greatly contributes to the success of the event,” he noted.

Didar Ali also underlined the significance of amplifying the voices of young people and noted that COP29 provided a platform for the younger generation, inspiring them to take an active role in combating climate change.