DAI at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan

November 11, 2024

Various DAI-led projects and technical experts are participating in the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, which runs from November 11-22. COP is the decision-making body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

“This year we are focusing on representation from our projects, who are best placed to provide local perspectives on climate challenges and successes, including successful efforts to mobilize and scale climate finance,” said Jette Findsen, DAI Vice President, Environment. “Finance is front and center at this COP. It is important to showcase how donors can support local communities in accessing these funds and make a real difference in combatting climate change.”

The following projects and personnel will be present:

• The High-Level Meeting of the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) at COP29 session, facilitated by the European Union (EU)-funded Technical Assistance for the Intra-ACP Disaster Risk Reduction Programme, will call for increased ambition on Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), enhanced access to climate finance, and stronger resilience-building measures for vulnerable countries. A key outcome will be a Joint Statement on Climate Action from OACPS Heads of State and Governments, urging stronger emission reductions, better climate finance access, and support for resilience and ecosystem restoration in vulnerable countries. Date: November 12. Location: Moana Blue Pacific Pavilion, Blue Zone. Time: 2:00–2:50 PM local time (GMT+4).

• The Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) will host a side event at the CARICOM Pavilion. The session, facilitated by the EU’s Technical Assistance for the Intra-ACP Disaster Risk Reduction Programme (DRRP), will raise awareness about the vulnerability of OACPS countries to climate change and natural hazards. The panel discussion, moderated by CDB’s Valerie Isaac, will include Dr. Pendo Maro, DRRP Project Team Leader for Technical Assistance, who will discuss how DRR financing and investments can enhance resilience in OACPS countries. Date: November 14. Location: CARICOM Pavilion, Blue Zone. Time: 14:00–15:00 local time (GMT+4).

• Kenneth Matekenya, DAI Team Leader of the Scottish Government-funded Climate Just Communities in Malawi project, will attend the conference with representatives from a local partner organization and a community member. They will participate in various events and activities throughout COP29, including a panel on Inclusive Climate Justice for All on November 14. Date: November 14. Location: Faith Pavilion, Blue Zone.

• The High-Level Event on Climate Finance for Ukraine’s Economic Competitiveness and Reconstruction is co-hosted by the Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR) and the Government of Ukraine. Expert Beatriz Pozueta from the DAI-managed EU Global Support Facility for Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCF) project, will also participate in the event. The discussion will focus on the urgent need for climate finance to support Ukraine’s recovery and transition to a sustainable, resilient economy. The panel will explore strategies to mobilize financial resources for Ukraine’s climate action plans and reconstruction efforts, with an emphasis on strengthening the country’s economic competitiveness. The session will be streamed live. Date: November 15. Location: Ukraine Pavilion, Blue Zone.

• The Centre for Disaster Protection (CDP) is partnering with Risk-informed Early Action Partnership and Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre to co-host a session that looks at the urgent gaps in financing for extreme weather resilience and disaster recovery, emphasizing the need for preparedness, alignment across financing streams, and innovative approaches to risk layering. The session will explore practical solutions to maximize financial resources and adapt the international crisis financing system to meet the challenges of our climate reality. CDP’s Lydia Poole will also share the latest findings from The State of Pre-Arranged Financing for Disasters 2024 report. Date: November 16. Time: 16:30 - 17:30 local time (GMT+4). Location: Green Zone Resilience Hub. Watch live here.

• Beatriz Pozueta, from the NDCF project, will also support side events held by the EU Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR). While the topics are yet to be confirmed, the sessions will focus on strategies for scaling climate finance, improving NDC implementation, and fostering resilience through climate diplomacy. Dates: November 12-22. Location: Blue and Green Zones.

• Rade Glomazic, Director of Implementation for DAI’s EU Business Unit, oversees our Türkiye portfolio and will speak on a panel on Circular Economy and Zero Waste on November 18 at the Türkiye Pavilion. The event is organized by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change of the Republic of Türkiye. The panel will spotlight DAI’s collaborative efforts in Türkiye under the National Circular Economy Strategy and Action Plan, showcasing how strategic partnerships and innovative solutions drive the transition to a sustainable, resource-efficient economy and reduce waste. Date: November 18. Location: Türkiye Pavilion, Blue Zone.

Other DAI staff attending include Declan Sharkey, project manager of the U.K. Government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero-funded Climate Ambition Support Alliance (CASA2) project. CASA2 is supporting senior negotiators, partners, and youth participants from among the Group of Least Developed Countries, the Alliance of Small Island States, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, which form the High Ambition Coalition.