COMSATS Participation at COP29, Baku

COMSATS Participation at COP29, Baku, Azerbaijan

11th – 22nd November 2024
Baku, Azerbaijan (Blue Zone)

The Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS), as an accredited observer IGO of the UNFCCC, will be participating in COP29, held from 11-22 November 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan. COMSATS, in its commitment to pursuit of tackling climate change related challenges and supporting its Member States, has undertaken extensive preparations to contribute meaningfully at global COP29 event. In this regard, COMSATS, in collaboration with Partner Organizations, is organizing several sideline events. These events aim to address pressing global challenges posed by climate change, particularly for developing countries, LDCs, and SIDS. The events will focus on climate finance, adaptation strategies, disaster risk management, carbon trading market, and the role of innovative technologies in fostering resilience and sustainability.

The increasing impact of climate change, particularly in regions vulnerable to environmental stresses, including COMSATS Member States, requires innovative solutions. COMSATS will host sideline events to discuss cutting-edge technological advancements that can accelerate climate adaptation and build resilience across sectors including agriculture. The events will explore how these technologies can be scaled up for the benefit of stakeholders, policymakers, and vulnerable communities. Multidisciplinary collaboration will be emphasized to develop comprehensive, scalable solutions.

One of the central themes will be the challenges faced by developing countries, especially LDCs and SIDS, in accessing climate finance. Panelists will discuss whether there is an appropriate balance between adaptation and mitigation funding, and how emerging climate finance models can address the needs of vulnerable nations. The sessions will provide recommendations to improve the technical and institutional capacities of developing countries in managing climate finance effectively.

High-level dialogue will be held to explore the potential of carbon trading as a sustainable development model for developing countries. The session will delve into the opportunities unlocked by emissions trading and carbon offset projects, particularly for the Global South. Experts will share insights on how these mechanisms can contribute to transitioning toward low-carbon economies, and how carbon markets can be better leveraged by LDCs and SIDS.

Climate-induced disasters are a growing concern, especially for vulnerable nations. COMSATS will bring together policymakers, researchers, multilateral financial institutions, and catastrophe risk specialists to discuss cross-sectoral strategies for integrating disaster risk insurance into national development planning. The events will provide insights into fiscal tools and disaster risk finance instruments, and share best practices for incorporating social protection policies into disaster risk management frameworks to enhance community resilience.

The climate crisis and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are increasingly intertwined, and the economic impact of AMR could be catastrophic if not urgently addressed. COP29 offers a key opportunity to spotlight global inequalities in AMR mitigation. The sideline events will also raise awareness about the disproportionate burden of AMR in the Global South and advocate for stronger global governance to address these disparities.

COMSATS’ participation at COP29 reflects its commitment to addressing the multifaceted challenges of climate change. By engaging global experts, policymakers, and international organizations, the sideline events aim to foster cross-sectoral dialogue, share best practices, and provide actionable recommendations to help developing countries navigate climate challenges.