COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev Attends Pacific Islands Forum in Tonga

The 53rd Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting took place in Tonga from August 26 to 30, bringing together leaders from across the Pacific to address pressing regional and global issues, with a special emphasis on climate change. This year marked a historic moment for the Forum as it welcomed, for the first time, Mukhtar Babayev, the President-Designate of COP29, as a key participant in the discussions. Babayev's presence at the Forum underscores the growing recognition of the unique challenges faced by Pacific Island nations in the context of the global climate crisis.

During the meeting, Mukhtar Babayev held an important dialogue with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, focusing on the severe climate challenges confronting island states, which are particularly susceptible to the impacts of rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and other climate-related threats. The discussion highlighted the urgency of international cooperation in addressing these issues, particularly as the world prepares for the upcoming COP29 summit.

Babayev and Guterres explored potential strategies for enhancing resilience among island states, including the mobilization of climate financing, the development of early warning systems, and the promotion of sustainable development practices that prioritize environmental protection. They also discussed the role of the international community in supporting these vulnerable regions, emphasizing that the outcomes of COP29 must reflect the needs and priorities of island nations, which are on the frontline of the climate crisis.

This meeting reinforced Azerbaijan's commitment to global climate action and its determination to contribute to meaningful outcomes at COP29. Babayev’s engagement with Pacific Island leaders and the UN Secretary-General signals a deepening of Azerbaijan's involvement in international climate diplomacy, with a focus on fostering partnerships that can drive effective, inclusive, and equitable solutions to the climate challenges facing the world today.