CA Yunus to Attend COP29 in Azerbaijan on Monday

Staff Correspondent; Climate 2024-11-10, 2:40pm

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus

Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus is scheduled to depart for Baku, Azerbaijan, on Monday to attend COP29, the UN's largest climate conference, which runs from November 11 to 22. The summit is seen as a critical opportunity to accelerate global efforts to address the escalating climate crisis.

Leaders and diplomats from around the world will gather in Baku to discuss strategies to mitigate the increasing threats posed by climate change. The conference, set in a city known for its historical oil industry, will focus on key issues such as finance, emissions reduction, and climate adaptation.

Prof. Yunus will lead a small delegation and is expected to return to Bangladesh on November 14, according to a senior official at his office. The Chief Adviser’s participation underscores Bangladesh’s commitment to global climate action, especially given the country’s vulnerability to climate impacts.

Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, who will also attend COP29, emphasized the need for global unity in addressing climate change. She called on developed countries to fulfill their climate finance commitments and provide technological support to vulnerable nations like Bangladesh, which face disproportionate climate risks.

The conference will focus heavily on finance, as trillions of dollars are required for countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. It will also provide a platform for countries to present their updated climate action plans under the Paris Agreement, aimed at limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

Azerbaijan, which has a history tied to oil production dating back to the 19th century, will host the event in a region that remains a major player in global oil and gas exports. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has described the conference as a "great honor" for his country, which aims to balance its energy exports with a shift toward renewable energy.

With global temperatures at record highs and extreme weather events becoming more frequent, COP29 is seen as a crucial moment to push for bold and decisive action. The outcomes of the conference will be pivotal in shaping the future of climate policy and securing a sustainable, livable planet for future generations.