COP29 Presidency Bolsters Global Climate Action and Partnerships at Pacific Islands Forum
Nuku'alofa, Tonga – The COP29 Presidency, led by President-Designate Mukhtar Babayev, demonstrated its strong commitment to inclusive global climate action during its participation in the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Tonga. The visit underscored Azerbaijan's dedication to amplifying the voices of climate-vulnerable nations and fostering robust partnerships for a more resilient and sustainable future, particularly ahead of COP29 in Baku.
It was heartening for the COP29 Presidency to meet so many leaders committed to climate action. A warm welcome was extended by the Tonga Prime Minister, Hon. Hu'akavameiliku, who hosted the Forum and shared the natural beauty of his island and its people. The Presidency reaffirmed its pledge to continue supporting islands across the Pacific in the fight against climate change.
During the Forum, President-Designate Babayev held important discussions with Mr. Mark Brown, Prime Minister of the Cook Islands. Their dialogue focused on exploring effective ways to enhance climate resilience in the Pacific region and the pivotal role COP29 will play in driving international support for climate-vulnerable communities.
A meaningful exchange also took place with New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Winston Peters. The discussion centered on strengthening joint efforts to build resilience in communities facing the intensifying impacts of climate change.
Productive meetings were also held with Mr. Maina Vakafua Talia, Tuvalu’s Minister of Home Affairs, Climate Change, & Environment. Their discussion highlighted the critical challenges Tuvalu faces due to climate change and explored how COP29 can effectively amplify the voices of island nations in global negotiations.
Furthermore, a very helpful and important meeting took place with Ms. Amy Pope, Director General of UN Migration. Discussions revolved around the urgent need to address climate-induced displacement and emphasized the critical importance of global cooperation to protect vulnerable communities in the Pacific. Both parties expressed a shared vision for working towards a safer, more resilient future for all.
A highly productive meeting also took place between COP29 President-Designate Mukhtar Babayev and UN Secretary-General António Guterres. They reinforced their commitment to amplifying the voices of Pacific Islands and collaboratively building a more resilient, sustainable future ahead of COP29.
A landmark development during the Forum was the signing of a joint declaration and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Government of Azerbaijan. This new partnership aims to leverage geospatial data to enhance climate action in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and other vulnerable member countries across the Commonwealth. This initiative demonstrates a practical step towards providing crucial tools for climate adaptation and mitigation in highly susceptible regions.
The extensive engagement at the Pacific Islands Forum underscores Azerbaijan's commitment as the incoming COP Presidency to fostering a truly inclusive and impactful climate summit. By building strong alliances and focusing on the needs of the most vulnerable, Azerbaijan aims to ensure that COP29 delivers tangible outcomes for global climate action and resilience.
