COP28 and COP29 host climate action event for peace and recovery

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Sharjah 24 – WAM: During the 79th United Nations General Assembly, the Presidencies of COP28 and COP29 held a high-level event focused on climate action and finance for vulnerable countries experiencing conflict and humanitarian crises.

The meeting brought together over 30 participants to preview plans for the upcoming Peace, Relief, and Recovery Day at COP29 in Baku on November 15. This will be the second such day, following its inaugural observance at COP28 in December.

Discussions emphasized the urgent need for financial resources and adaptation measures in climate-vulnerable countries, which often receive minimal climate finance despite the potential benefits of investing in resilience.

“Investing in the most vulnerable countries is a critical priority for development and peace,” said Abdulla Balalaa, UAE Assistant Minister for Energy and Sustainability. “COP28 drew significant attention and resources to this issue, and we’re committed to supporting the least-served communities.”

Ambassador Elshad Iskandarov, Senior Advisor to COP29, expressed gratitude for the collaboration with the UAE and emphasized the need to operationalize the COP28 CRRP Declaration at COP29. He highlighted the goal of synergizing climate and peace initiatives to enhance international cooperation and finance.

Political commitment to climate action in conflict-affected regions has grown, with 93 countries and 43 organizations signing the COP28 UAE Declaration on Relief, Recovery, and Peace. Azerbaijan has taken a leading role in this agenda, and the COP29 Climate and Peace Co-lead Group has called for enhanced actions addressing water scarcity, food insecurity, and climate-related migration.

At the New York event, major finance providers—including Chad, Germany, Timor-Leste, Uganda, and the UK—discussed climate initiatives for fragile settings. The Green Climate Fund outlined new climate programs for these countries, while the Islamic Development Bank reaffirmed its commitment of over $1 billion in climate finance. The UN's OCHA highlighted the increasing focus on anticipatory action for climate threats.

Azerbaijan also shared its plans for the Peace, Relief, and Recovery Day, along with a ministerial meeting to assess progress and drive new commitments.