BY HON SALAH MAALIM ALIO
As the world gears up for COP29 in Azerbaijan, the eyes of the international community are keenly focused on how the country will navigate the complexities of climate negotiations amid ongoing accusations of ‘greenwashing’ and ‘capture’.
While Azerbaijan is poised to play a pivotal role, the stakes are
high—particularly for Africa, whose Chair of the Africa Group of Negotiators is
none other than the Special Climate Envoy for Kenya at the Executive Office of
the President of Kenya, who is calling for a robust outcome on the Non-State
Climate Governance (NCQG) provision and an ambitious mobilization goal of $1.3
trillion annually through 2030.
The backdrop to these negotiations is critical. Developed nations bear historical responsibility for climate change, and under the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement, they are expected to lead efforts in mobilizing finance.
Yet, as
discussions unfold, there is a worrying trend to redefine the terms of
engagement, potentially undermining the commitments owed to developing
countries.
For Africa, the emphasis must remain on accountability and equity in climate finance. The proposed $1.3 trillion annual mobilisation should not only target mitigation but also adaptative measures, loss and damage, and just transitions.
Addressing the adaptation finance gap is paramount, especially in
light of the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA). Without decisive action, the
vulnerability of African nations to climate impacts will only deepen.
Azerbaijan, with its mixed record on climate leadership, faces a daunting challenge. The COP presidency brings with it not only an opportunity for visibility but also a responsibility to broker consensus among nearly 200 parties.
Mukhtar Babayev, Azerbaijan’s minister of ecology and natural
resources, must harness the country's strategic position at the crossroads of
Europe and Asia to elevate the voices of developing nations, particularly those
from Africa.
The potential for Azerbaijan to reshape its narrative from one of scepticism to that of proactive leadership exists.
The joint statement with Armenia signalling a thaw in relations is a reminder that political will can yield unexpected outcomes.
Similarly, in the realm of climate action, a
commitment to transparent and equitable burden-sharing among developed
countries can pave the way for a more collaborative and effective approach to
tackling climate challenges.
However, the clock is ticking. As we approach COP29, Azerbaijan must
leverage its presidency to ensure that the discussions do not devolve into a
reclassification of developed versus developing nations. Instead, the focus
should be on enhancing climate resilience through shared responsibility and
mutual interest and support.
In a world grappling with the urgent realities of climate change, COP29 represents a watershed moment.
Azerbaijan has the opportunity to lead by example, but it must do so with conviction and clarity. By advocating for an outcome-based NCQG and securing a sustainable financing framework that prioritizes the needs of vulnerable nations, Azerbaijan can emerge as a true champion of climate justice, inspiring hope and action in the fight against climate change for Africa and beyond.
The writer is the CECM Lands, Physical Planning, Housing and Urban Development-County Government of Mandera,. He also chairs the Mandera Green Future and Frontier County Development Council-Land Sector Forum-LsF
Email [email protected]
