BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 5. Anthropogenic impact, industrialization, and rapid economic development have become significant threats to many nations, leading to a rise in global temperatures and increasing natural disasters, Azerbaijan's Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources and COP29 President, Mukhtar Babayev said at the Global Summit of Religious Leaders in Baku, TurkicWorld reports.
Babayev underscored that climate change has transitioned from a theoretical issue to a quotidian reality for communities residing in climate-sensitive areas.
"For these communities, climate change is no longer a theoretical threat but a reality they face daily.
Alterations in precipitation patterns and increasing temperatures in the Congo Basin are inflicting significant harm on forests and unique ecosystems. The flooding in Pakistan, which inundated a third of the nation, the peril of obliterating communities in small island developing states, and global natural calamities serve as concrete manifestations of this truth.
The experiences of these nations necessitate the adoption of urgent, inclusive strategies and prioritizing their concerns in our initiatives.
The COP29 Action Agenda is focused on making resources more accessible to developing countries. Under Azerbaijan's leadership, COP29 has introduced 14 pivotal initiatives. Our goal is to offer innovative solutions and new strategies not only at the national level but on the global stage as well. With these initiatives, Azerbaijan will continue its leadership in advancing the global transition to a green economy.
Additionally, the Climate Action Fund, launched by Azerbaijan, will incentivize both public and private sector investments in climate adaptation, mitigation, and research. This Fund provides critical financing to support rapid responses to the impacts of natural disasters in developing countries," Babayev added.
To note, a Global Summit of Religious Leaders is being held as part of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) by the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, the State Committee on Affairs with Religious Associations, the Muslim Council of Elders, the Caucasus Muslims Office (CMO), and the United Nations Environment Program in Baku.
The global forum is set to roll out the red carpet for around 30 leaders from both secular and traditional religions, heads of prominent religious centers - patriarchs, officials from the Vatican, and Al-Azhar, along with internationally recognized religious and public figures hailing from various corners of the globe and diverse faiths, representatives from government, academia, and religious institutions hailing from 55 countries and 30 international organizations, and media representatives.
