The 15th Petersberg Climate Dialogue will represent developed, emerging and developing countries, from fragile island states to high-emitting countries, for a series of consultations in the run-up to the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference. High-level representatives from over 40 countries gathered together. (UNFCCC COP 29). As countries prepare to submit their next Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the discussion focused on the 'Road to Baku' and key challenges for international climate policy.
The governments of Germany and Azerbaijan co-hosted the dialogue, which was held from April 25 to 26, 2024 in Berlin, Germany.
President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, who spoke as the host of COP 29, emphasized his country's track record of building bridges between countries and strengthening solidarity through such initiatives as the chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and membership in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. was outlined. (OPEC+) platform. He highlighted Azerbaijan's efforts to promote a green transition by adding wind and solar to its energy mix.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Verbock has vowed that countries should “end the era of fossil fuels” and keep the 1.5°C limit within achievable limits at the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 28). , highlighted an agreement to triple renewable energy capacity and double energy improvements. She urged participants to consider “how…to translate papers and theory into practice,” and she noted that the NDC is key to that effort.
Burbock urged participants to move away from “outdated debates” about climate protection and adaptation versus economic development. “It's not an either/or situation; each strengthens the other,” she stressed. Burbock said developing countries need US$1 trillion in international finance annually to fundamentally transform economies around the world to enable a global ecological transition. . She emphasized the need to:
- Developed countries continue to fulfill their responsibility to meet the annual climate finance target of $100 billion.
- The 20 countries and regions (G20) and other major economies “exceed the 100 billion mark.”and
- Establishing new and innovative sources of financing while planning climate change policies, implementing projects, and linking public and private finance.
Mr. Burbock told participants that multi-stakeholder efforts should be made to address NDCs in line with 1.5°C, support poor and fragile countries in drafting and implementing NDCs, and work with international organizations to mobilize support from financial institutions. called on people to unite in an alliance. He said this “coalition of changemakers” should bring together government departments and financial institutions, as well as civil society, indigenous peoples, international organizations and existing initiatives.
UNFCCC Executive Director Simon Stiel emphasized that in addition to NDCs, COP 29 is also a “fiscal COP.” He highlighted the role of the Group of Seven (G7) and G20 in coordinating climate change and development finance, as well as the UNFCCC's intermediary role as steward of the international climate process.
The Petersberg Climate Dialogue process was launched in 2010 by former German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The dialogue is held annually and is co-hosted by Germany and the country that will chair the next UN climate change conference. UNFCCC COP 29 will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan from 11 to 22 November 2024.
The Petersberg Climate Dialogue comes less than a week after the Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group (WBG) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and two days before the Group of Seven (G7) ministerial meeting on climate, energy and environment. finished. Mustered out in Turin, Italy. The G20 Summit will be held from July 12th to 14th, 2024. [German Federal Foreign Office News Article] [German Federal Government News Article]
