COP 29 presents a unique opportunity for Azerbaijan to advance key global initiatives like limiting methane emissions in the oil and gas sector and advancing the clean energy transition, US President Joe Biden said on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, in a message addressed to the participants of the Baku Energy Week holding from June 4 to 6.
The letter was read by Harry Kemian, Senior Advisor for Multilateral Energy Diplomacy at the US State Department’s Bureau of Energy Resources.
The decision to hold COP29 in Baku was made during the plenary session of COP28 in Dubai on December 11, 2023. Azerbaijan’s capital is expected to welcome approximately 70,000 to 80,000 international guests for this landmark climate conference in November.
Also speaking during the opening ceremony of the Baku Energy Week, Christina Lobillo Borrero, Director of the European Commission for Energy Policy Strategy and Coordination, said that COP29 represents a unique opportunity to crystallise ideas in a way that enhances European energy security, said during the opening ceremony of the Baku Energy Week.
She said the conference would help increase investment in renewable energy sources, strengthen the industrial base, promote a fair energy transition and trade in the European market, and, of course, steer the economy towards achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by the middle of the century.
In a related development, the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has expressed its support for Azerbaijan’s efforts in combating climate change and pledged to assist in the successful hosting of the upcoming COP29 climate conference.
During the opening ceremony of the 29th International Caspian Oil & Gas Exhibition – Caspian Oil & Gas and the 12th Caspian International Power and Green Energy Exhibition – Caspian Power as part of the Baku Energy Week at the Baku Expo Centre, OPEC Secretary General, Haitham Al Ghais, commended Azerbaijan’s approach to the conference.
“It was heartening to hear that Azerbaijan is adopting an inclusive approach to COP29, considering all opinions, including those of the oil industry,” he said.
Azerbaijan has been taking significant steps towards sustainable energy and reducing its carbon footprint. The country has set ambitious targets for renewable energy development, aiming to increase the share of renewables in its total energy mix to at least 30% by 2030.
Secretary General Al Ghais further emphasised OPEC’s readiness to stand shoulder to shoulder with Azerbaijan in its climate change mitigation efforts.
“We support Azerbaijan’s constructive activities, as they listen to everyone while being pragmatic and progressive. I am confident that the event will be a great success, and we are ready to stand by your side,” he affirmed.
The OPEC leader also stressed the importance of strengthening international cooperation in the fight against climate change. He called for allowing each country to chart its own path based on its national circumstances, considering the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities, as well as respective capabilities, in line with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement.
