Baku, September 9, AZERTAC
The high-level opening ceremony of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Fourth Climate Week (CW4) was held in Baku, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Addressing the ceremony, Jeyhun Bayramov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, said that climate change is no longer a distant threat and that predictions had become visible realities across the globe. He added that significant shifts had been witnessed in recent years, which could be seen along their coasts and coastal areas. He further emphasized that the impacts of climate change exerted pressure on national economies and global financial markets, further exacerbating existing challenges.
According to the minister, these processes make economic diversification and energy sustainability even more vital for national security, economic stability, and long-term resilience.
Jeyhun Bayramov emphasized the importance of continuing to play a decisive role in advancing the global climate agenda. He noted that in the coming months, international leadership will be complemented by decisive actions within the region.
FM Bayramov reaffirmed Azerbaijan's unwavering support for brotherly Türkiye as it prepares to host the next COP.
According to the minister, cooperation between the COP29 and COP31 presidencies is a striking example of regional solidarity. This cooperation serves to ensure continuity in the climate agenda, develop ambitious climate finance mechanisms, and consistently advance global climate action, he added.
Addressing the event in a video message, Simon Stiell, UN Climate Change Executive Secretary, expressed his gratitude to the Government of Azerbaijan for hosting the event. “I thank the Government of Azerbaijan for hosting us again with such commitment and purpose. Baku holds a hugely important place in the recent history of international climate cooperation.
At COP29, countries agreed a new global climate finance goal of 300 billion dollars a year by 2035, and called on all actors to work together to scale up climate finance from public and private sources to at least 1.3 trillion dollars a year by 2035.
The Baku to Belém Roadmap carried this work forward, with practical steps to make finance flow where it is needed most.
For me, returning to Baku goes beyond symbolism. It is a reference point for delivery. A test of whether the promises made in negotiating rooms become projects, investments and real protection for people on the ground. That is the central task now.
We know climate cooperation is working. Without it, humanity would be heading towards catastrophic levels of heating. With it, we are still in the fight,” he noted.
Other speakers at the event included Fatma Varank, CEO of COP31, David Higgins, Deputy Executive Director for Australia's President of Negotiations, Ana Toni, COP30 Executive Director, and Daniele Violetti , UNFCCC Senior Director of the Programmes Coordination.
The official ceremony continued with an artistic program.