An appeal for togetherness in tackling climate issues

This year's COP29 (The Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) will be held in Baku-Azerbaijan from Nov 11 till 22.

The COP Truce initiative of COP29, put forward by the Azerbaijan presidency, was officially announced on Sept 21, the International Day of Peace, calling on all parties to unite despite political difficulties and observe a ceasefire during the one-month period of the conference.

As a result of the campaigns carried out up to now, 10 states and about 1,100 non-state organisations, including international and local non-governmental organisations, private companies, research institutes, think tanks, religious institutions, influential political figures and other parties have joined the COP Truce call.

Below are the 10 points we'd like to highlight for your kind information as COP29 nears.

1. Climate change is threatening the planet, the lives and livelihoods of billions. The choices we make today will fundamentally affect current and future generations. We need to act now to save the tomorrow.

2. If we are unable to take decisive measures and use every opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and protect our ecosystems and natural sinks, the objectives of the Paris Agreement will be at risk. The responsibility lies with us, and it is our collective commitment and moral duty to combat climate change.

3. Ravaging conflicts and increasingly challenging climate crisis are mutually exacerbating factors.

4. Climate crisis is putting stress on economic, social and political systems, and disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations and aggravating security worldwide. In conflict-affected settings, disruptions in local economies, infrastructure and services are increasing climate impacts and intensifying inequalities.

5. Conflicts are a significant source of GHG emissions. They are also making the affected areas inaccessible and unusable with long-lasting impact on the soil, water basins and natural sinks like forests.

6. Against this backdrop, the COP29 Presidency is making the climate-peace nexus one of the key areas of focus under its Action Agenda. COP29 will feature a dedicated thematic day on Peace, Relief and Recovery on Nov 14th.

7. This day will present a great opportunity to rally political support and send a clear and unified message of commitment to further the climate-peace nexus.

8. Based on informal consultations with parties and a broad range of non-party stakeholders, the presidency has decided to present the COP29 Truce initiative, which will be embedded in the Joint Solemn Appeal for a COP29 Truce. In the appeal, we call on everyone to transcend political divergences, stand in unity and respect the truce during the month of COP29.

9. Cooperation is our strongest defence and must therefore be at the core of our response to climate change. COP29 will be a chance to put differences aside and contribute to both global peace and climate agenda.

10. We invite all parties, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders to join this solemn appeal.

Lastly, those interested to propose new initiatives and join the appeal can send your valuable insight and support to coptruce@cop29.az (and cc to e_salmanov@mfa.gov.az) before Oct 31.