The Parliamentary Network organised jointly by the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan began on the margins of the 29^th UN Climate Change Conference (the COP29) in Baku on 16 November.

The event started with an opening a speech by Speaker of the Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova who welcomed the guests. She mentioned the participation of the gathering by approximately 90 delegations representing national parliaments, inter-parliamentary organisations and various other bodies. Besides, it was emphasised that this reflected a shared firm commitment and dedication to addressing one of the most pressing issues of our time – climate change.

The Speaker of the Milli Majlis added that the idea of holding the Parliamentary Meeting within the framework of the COP29 had been proposed by Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Martin Chungong, and expressed her gratitude to him for this valuable initiative. As she also noted, this event was possible because Azerbaijan had been chosen unanimously as the host country for the COP29 last December.

According to the Speaker, the consequences of climate change have affected all countries with ours being no exception in this regard. In recent years, Azerbaijan has faced challenges such as extreme heat, water shortages, the shrinking of the Caspian Sea and floods. Recognising and anticipating the significance of these challenges, Azerbaijan placed climate-related activities at the centre of its national plans implemented under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev long before being chosen as the host country for the COP29. Azerbaijan demonstrates determination and focus on the path to sustainable development by assuming voluntary commitments, integrating the green agenda into national development programmes, implementing renewable energy projects and creating green energy zones,.

It was said also that Azerbaijan’s selection as the COP29 host country is a testament to the global community's trust in her ability and experience in building bridges and uniting communities and countries around common goals. The guests were informed that, despite the limited preparation time of merely 11 months compared to other countries, the Azerbaijani presidency of the COP29 has made tremendous efforts to engage all stakeholders, consider their needs and understand their expectations.

It was then said with regret that our country had met with biased and unfounded accusations, double standards and disinformation campaigns launched by some states and media platforms during the preparation for the event. A small number of national parliaments and inter-parliamentary organisations had also participated in that activity. The Speaker of the Parliament stressed that some forget the power of dialogue, co-operation and solidarity in the face of shared challenges. On the other hand, they still fail to understand that the issue of climate change, which holds immense importance, cannot be used as a tool to promote their narrow interests and politically motivated ambitions.

As was further stated, the COP29 had begun its work successfully despite those adverse incidents and continued with the participation of all the stakeholders. According to the Speaker, today’s Parliamentary Meeting follows the Summit of World Leaders on Climate Action and a series of other significant events and meetings. The action agenda and the 14 initiatives put forward by the COP29 Presidency are not only the result of an inclusive process, but also demonstrate a comprehensive approach, uniting everyone in the format of global climate efforts.

The current discussions have already yielded a number of significant outcomes.

In her speech, addressing the question of ‘What is the role of our parliaments, of ourselves, in global climate efforts’, Sahiba Gafarova emphasised that such questions are not rhetorical and have answers.

According to Speaker Sahiba Gafarova, we as MPs are the representatives of our people and constantly keep in touch with them. We are the first witnesses of the devastating impact of climate change on their lives. In this context, parliaments take on the responsibility of highlighting the needs and perspectives of the people, making this process an all-encompassing one.

Our parliaments possess the necessary tools, such as legislation, budgets and oversight, to support the development of climate action in their countries. Undoubtedly, most of our parliaments have already passed laws related to emission reductions, energy transition, and green development.

Sahiba Gafarova remarked that climate change is the largest issue that transcends national borders and requires joint efforts from all of humanity. ‘It is a great honour and joy for me to see so many parliamentarians from around the world here today, as it demonstrates our shared goal and energetic participation in the process,’ said Sahiba Gafarova.

Our co-operation in the exchange of knowledge, experience and best practices is of particular importance and benefits all of us. The role played by the Inter-Parliamentary Union deserves utmost recognition in this regard. Staying true to the ideals of dialogue and solidarity, this organisation rallies us to important initiatives, including climate change mitigation measures, and ensures that our voices are heard. However, addressing the negative consequences of climate change is becoming increasingly difficult as the climate crisis deepens. Time is passing, and it is becoming clear that the fight against climate change requires ever more attention and effort, which, in turn, highlights how important it is to strengthen our participation in this process.

We ought to continue improving our legislations, encourage governments to mobilise their efforts more effectively and bear on them to fulfil their commitments. Strengthening co-operation with civil society will help us better understand their concerns.

According to the Speaker of the Milli Majlis, the two-day event and the final document, reflecting our common position, address the most pressing issues and raise crucial questions such as climate financing, mitigation, adaptation, transparency, and nationally determined contributions. These topics are also priorities for Azerbaijan’s presidency at the COP29 and reflect the current global climate agenda.

There is clearly no need to invent the bicycle. Quite on the contrary, success depends on how we turn common aspirations and promises into concrete actions. The COP29 provides a significant opportunity for global climate action. The responsibility for these actions lies with each of us. It is time to demonstrate global solidarity and unity.

Closing her speech, the Speaker of the Milli Majlis expressed a confidence that our countries would move forth towards a greener world, a better and more sustainable future in the spirit of solidarity and with stronger partnerships, support and commitments.

The subsequent speakers at the event included Speaker of the National Assembly of the United Republic of Tanzania and President of the IPU Tulia Ackson; Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan and President of the COP29 Mukhtar Babayev; Secretary General of the IPU Martin Chungong; Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Simon Stiell; and Speaker of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan Tanzila Narbayeva. They all spoke on the issue of climate change, the countering of climate change and the role of parliaments in this field. The guests thanked the Azerbaijani side for the high organisational level of the COP29, also saying confidently that the work carried out within the framework of this event would yield positive results.

That was followed by a video clip played to the audience to demonstrate the real consequences of climate change. There were speeches and comments revolving round the topic at hand.

The sessions of the Parliamentary Meeting then commenced, being focused on such issues as ‘The Role of Parliaments in Implementing Climate Commitments through Enhancing Ambitious Measures to Reduce Impacts and Implementing Nationally Determined Contributions,’ ‘Development of Global Climate Financing Architecture,’ ‘Increasing Resilience to Climate Change’ and others.

During the discussions, several Heads and Members of Parliament as well as delegates of international organisations spoke about the importance of the COP29 in the struggle against climate change and thanked the Azerbaijani side for having arranged the event at such a high level.

First Deputy Speaker of the Milli Majlis Ali Ahmadov, Deputy Speakers Ziyafet Asgarov, Musa Gasimli and Rafael Huseynov, Chairs of Parliamentary Committee, MPs and delegates of various countries and international organisations took part in the Parliamentary Meeting.

The event will resume on 17 November.

The Press and Public Relations Department
The Milli Majlis