​Key Highlights

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• Baku Declaration on Global Climate Transparency
  The Government of Azerbaijan unveiled the “Baku Declaration on Global Climate Transparency”, Azerbaijan at COP29, calls for enhanced transparency and international cooperation to advance climate ambition. The declaration emphasizes the importance of nations being transparent about their climate targets, actions, and progress, fostering mutual accountability. By promoting standardized reporting and data sharing, it aims to build trust among countries and encourage more robust climate commitments. This initiative provides a framework for nations to collaborate on climate action, sharing knowledge, technologies, and financial resources to accelerate progress globally.

 

• Baku Guiding Principles: Human Development for Climate Resilience
  The “Baku Guiding Principles” were adopted at COP29 as a groundbreaking initiative to integrate education, health, jobs, and skills into climate action. This strategic framework focuses on empowering communities to build resilience against climate impacts, ensuring that social development is at the heart of climate strategies and that no one is left behind in the transition to a sustainable future.

 

• Health and Climate Action Coalition
  Azerbaijan, along with Brazil, Egypt, UAE, and the UK, launched a coalition which aims to integrate health considerations into climate strategies. The coalition’s focus is to address the critical intersection of climate change and public health by bridging climate-health financing gaps and promoting innovative solutions. Its goal is to protect populations from the growing health risks posed by climate change, ensuring that public health is prioritized in the global response to the climate crisis.

 

• Ministerial Roundtable on Climate and Health
  A high-level roundtable, co-hosted by World Health Organization (WHO) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), brought together global leaders to discuss strategies for addressing the health impacts of climate change. The roundtable focused on actionable approaches for financing and supporting national efforts to protect public health, emphasizing the need for integrated solutions that combine climate and health policies.

 

• Greening Education for Future Generations
  The Greening Education Partnership held its second annual meeting at COP29, focusing on integrating climate education into school curricula. The discussions emphasized the importance of empowering the next generation with the knowledge and skills required to lead in the transition to a sustainable future, ensuring youth are well-prepared to address the challenges of climate change.

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• Women Leading Climate Resilience​
  A Green Zone panel celebrated the crucial role women play in climate leadership. The discussions emphasized gender equality as not only an ethical imperative but also a practical solution for enhancing resilience and driving impactful climate action, showcasing women’s leadership in shaping sustainable futures.​

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• Women Leading Climate Resilience​​
  A Green Zone panel celebrated the crucial role women play in climate leadership. The discussions emphasized gender equality as not only an ethical imperative but also a practical solution for enhancing resilience and driving impactful climate action, showcasing women’s leadership in shaping sustainable futures.

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• India’s Finance Push​​​
  India’s strong advocacy for increased climate finance and technology transfer highlighted the urgent need for equitable resource distribution to meet global climate goals. India emphasized the importance of financial support and access to technologies, particularly for developing nations, to accelerate the green transition and enhance climate resilience.

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• Fossil Fuel Debate
  The Fossil Fuel Debate at COP29 saw tensions rise as leaders revisited the urgent call to phase out coal and reduce global reliance on fossil fuels. The discussions focused on the need for accelerated action to transition to cleaner energy sources, with differing views on the pace and feasibility of such a shift, especially for developing economies still heavily reliant on fossil fuels.

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GC’s Perspective​

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Day 8 of COP29 underscored the inseparable link between human development and climate action.

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The “Greening Education” initiative is essential for fostering a culture of sustainability and ensuring that future generations are proactive in tackling climate challenges, ultimately driving the global climate agenda forward. Additionally, empowering women in leadership roles is not just a matter of justice but also a strategic move to ensure that climate solutions are comprehensive, inclusive, and more effective in addressing the challenges ahead. These discussions reinforce our mission to support our clients in adopting holistic strategies that deliver tangible impact.

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India’s call for increased climate finance emphasizes the need for fairness in global climate action. As a rapidly developing nation, it is crucial for India to receive tailored financial support to address the unique challenges of balancing economic growth with climate commitments.

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Similarly, the debate over the fossil fuel phase-out underscores the challenge of balancing climate goals with economic realities, particularly for developing nations. The transition to renewable energy must be just and equitable, with significant support for developing countries to avoid exacerbating existing inequalities. This reinforces the need for coordinated, globally aligned strategies that address both environmental and economic priorities.

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At GC, we recognize the critical need to address both environmental and socio-economic factors to drive meaningful sustainability. We advocate for inclusive solutions that ensure our clients adopt strategies tailored to their specific context. Our commitment is to help clients navigate the evolving landscape of climate action by implementing comprehensive, impactful, and equitable strategies that foster lasting progress and enable them to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

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Looking Ahead​

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The momentum from Day 8 serves as a powerful reminder that addressing climate change is not just about policies and technologies—it is about people. As we move into the final stretch of COP29, the focus must remain on translating these commitments into actionable pathways.