Yalchın Rafiyev: Each COP builds on its predecessors
Bonn, June 26, AZERTAC
“A year ago, in this same hall, we presented our vision for COP29 as its future Presidency, committing to an inclusive, transparent, impartial, and Party-driven approach. Guided by the principles, goals, and objectives of the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement, we engaged all Parties and stakeholders through open dialogue, ensuring no one was left behind. We viewed COP29 as a critical “moment of truth” for the Paris Agreement, and the resulting consensus proved multilateral diplomacy remains effective, delivering vital outcomes for humanity. We passed this test together.
Considering the challenges facing climate action, COP30 will test not only the Paris Agreement but the entire UNFCCC process. We must shift from ambition to implementation, and we fully support framing COP30 as the “Implementation COP,” Azerbaijan’s Deputy Foreign Minister and COP29 Lead Negotiator Yalchın Rafiyev said at a COP30-focused event during the 62nd Session of the UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies (SB62) in Bonn.
“COP29 rested on two pillars: enhancing ambition and enabling action. We worked tirelessly to raise Parties’ ambitions through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), and Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs). Alongside you, we secured the ‘Baku Finance Goal,’ the largest financial commitment in UN climate talks history, as finance was central to COP29’s mission—a key enabler of effective climate action. We positioned COP29 as the ‘Action COP,’ achieving the New Collective Quantified Goal, finalizing the Paris Rulebook (notably Article 6), and adopting critical decisions across climate action areas, collectively known as the ‘Baku Breakthrough.’
Achieving the Paris Agreement’s goals demands bold decisions and unity across COP Presidencies. This is a marathon, not a sprint, with each COP building on its predecessors. We leveraged the successes of COP27 (Sharm El-Sheikh) and COP28 (Dubai), enabling us to sustain momentum and confidently pass the baton to Brazil.
Since early this year, Azerbaijan’s COP Presidency has collaborated closely with Brazil’s incoming Presidency to align priorities, ensure continuity, and maintain a Party-focused approach. We share mandates to fulfill by COP30, particularly advancing the Baku-to-Belem Roadmap to deliver $1.3 trillion annually in climate finance for developing countries.
As a ‘1.5°C Mission’ Troika member, alongside the UAE and Brazil, we will continue stressing the need for ambitious NDCs by September 2025. During SB62, Azerbaijan remains dedicated to a journey of continuity, ambition, and inclusive collaboration from Baku to Belem. We support Brazil’s COP30 Presidency and urge all to embrace the ‘mutirão’ spirit in Belem, laying the groundwork for our next collective success.
Azerbaijan stands ready to support Brazil at COP30 to ensure inclusivity and accelerate implementation. With its environmental heritage, leadership in climate and biodiversity, and multilateral commitment, Brazil is ideally positioned to advance COP29’s achievements and build on past successes. Azerbaijan will remain a trusted partner and bridge-builder in this shared mission, offering unwavering commitment and constructive engagement,” Rafiyev concluded.
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