In a pivotal prelude to COP29, an essential climate conference, a significant event unfolded at Baku ADA University in collaboration with the Institute for Development and Diplomacy (IDD) and the United States Embassy, Ednews reports.
The symposium, titled "Perspectives on International Climate Cooperation," was led by Sue Biniaz, Deputy Special Envoy for Climate, recognized as one of the foremost American legal minds in climate negotiations.
Biniaz commenced the discourse with a succinct historical overview of the pivotal climate treaties that have shaped the contemporary landscape, starting from the 1992 Framework Convention for Climate Change (FCCC) to the landmark 2015 Paris Agreement. Emphasizing the delicate balance between rigor and flexibility in crafting climate treaties, she highlighted the challenges in unifying diverse state and non-state actors with varying politico-economic circumstances.
Addressing the imminent COP29, Biniaz underscored its significance, labeling it as one of the most critical climate conferences in recent memory. With the National Determined Contributions (NDCs) slated for renewal in 2025, just months after the convention, participating nations face a vital opportunity to reflect on their future climate objectives.
A pivotal decision looming by the end of 2024 is the establishment of the New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance, a cornerstone of global climate financing. The negotiation of financial targets, grounded in scientific research, will be a focal point of discussions during the conference, challenging nations to meet the needs of developing countries beyond the politically determined $100 billion per year.
Biniaz also addressed questions about Azerbaijan's role as the host nation. Emphasizing Azerbaijan's responsibility for the conference's agenda and logistics, she noted that Azerbaijan, under the leadership of Mukhtar Babayev, will determine the conference's focal points. While acknowledging that a failure to reach an agreement rarely reflects poorly on the host nation, Biniaz stressed Azerbaijan's responsibility to go the extra mile to secure a deal if an agreement is within reach.
