Panel discussions on "Road to COP29 - What's on the agenda in Baku, Azerbaijan?" was organized in Seoul, as part of the Global Green Growth Week 2024 themed "Green Growth in Times of Uncertainty". The discussions, organized by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) headquartered in South Korea, first featured video address by Ban Ki-moon, former UN Secretary General, GGGI President and Chair, who highlighted the threats of political instability, ongoing wars, economic conflicts, global warming, and climate change, emphasizing the need for the international cooperation to tackle environmental crises.

As the keynote speaker during the panel discussions, Azerbaijan's Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, Ramin Hasanov, emphasized the importance Azerbaijan places on environmental security, ecological sustainability, and green growth. He also highlighted the challenges posed by climate change, which threaten the country’s progress toward achieving its goals.

Shedding light on COP29 importance, its main topics, Azerbaijan’s vision, expectations, the initiatives undertaken during the presidency and the World Leaders Climate Action Summit, the diplomat mentioned the “COP Truce”, a ground-breaking initiative that calls for a global ceasefire during the COP29 month, noting that so far 127 countries and about 1100 non-state actors, as well as many notable individuals and religious leaders, have supported this appeal.

Helena McLeod, GGGI’s Deputy Director-General announced that she would head the GGGI delegation at COP29, highlighting that the conference will focus primarily on financial issues. She presented the findings of the research conducted by GGGI on the effects of climate action impact and climate finance.

Alanoud Alhaj, acting assistant undersecretary of Green Development & Climate Change Sector, at the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), provided insights into the outcomes and achievements of COP28, including discussions held, financial pledges made, and details on the Loss and Damage Fund. She emphasized the UAE’s cooperation with Azerbaijan and Brazil presidencies within the "Troyka" framework, expressing support for Azerbaijan’s efforts.

The other speakers wished Azerbaijan success in hosting the landmark and major event - COP29, and appreciated the "COP Truce Appeal” initiative.

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