COP29 Baku: UN climate chief Simon Stiell commends UAE for COP28 Presidency

Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of UNFCCC, has expressed his appreciation for the UAE’s relentless efforts during the COP28 Summit in Dubai. In his opening remarks at COP29 Baku, he stressed the need for a unified financial commitment to climate action.

The COP29 climate conference opened in Baku on Monday. It has been touted as the ‘Finance COP’. Stiell emphasised that if at least 2/3 of all countries across the globe do not cut emissions as soon as possible, then every country is going to pay a “brutal price”.

If countries cannot build resilience into supply chains, the entire global economy is going to be brought to its knees, said the UN climate chief, stressing that “no country is immune” to the brutal consequences of climate change.

Global leaders landing in Baku for COP29 Summit

Speaking at the Baku summit on Monday, COP28 President and UAE minister of industry and advanced technology, Dr Sultan al-Jaber, noted the need for greater climate action. He has a notable focus on finding effective solutions to the climate crisis.

The UAE has passed the baton on to Baku to lead discussions on climate action. Simon Stiell underscored the need to stop regarding climate finance as ‘charity’, adding that an ambitious climate finance goal is in the self-interest of every nation, including the richest.

The COP29 Summit runs through next Friday. Global leaders are landing in Baku to establish another annual climate financing target to replace the $100 billion pledge that expires at the end of 2024 and many believe it is much less than needed.