Crucial Breakthrough in Pakistan Azerbaijan Climate Cooperation Ahead of COP-29
Pakistan and Azerbaijan hold vital bilateral meetings to boost climate cooperation ahead of COP-29, focusing on regional resilience, green energy, and climate finance.
Pakistan Azerbaijan climate cooperation has emerged as a crucial alliance in the evolving landscape of international climate diplomacy. With the climate emergency intensifying across borders, both nations are aligning efforts to secure a more resilient and sustainable future—particularly for the Global South, which remains on the frontline of climate-induced devastation.
High-Level Meetings on the Sidelines of COP Retreat
Dr. Musadik Malik engaged in strategic discussions with two key Azerbaijani leaders:
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H.E. Mukhtar Babayev, President of COP-29 and Special Envoy on Environment to the President of Azerbaijan
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H.E. Mr. Yalchin Rafiyev, Deputy Foreign Minister and COP-29 Lead Negotiator
These meetings emphasized the urgency of coordinated global action. Dr. Malik described the talks as “productive and forward-looking,” focusing on accelerating green transformation through equitable international frameworks.
Addressing Global Climate Injustice
In his remarks, Dr. Malik strongly highlighted the climate injustice faced by countries like Pakistan, which contribute less than 1% of global emissions yet suffer disproportionately from floods, droughts, and heatwaves.
“The Global South bears the brunt of the climate crisis while the Global North continues to emit irresponsibly,” he stated.
He called on developed nations to honor their climate finance commitments and provide technological support and capacity building to vulnerable countries. According to Dr. Malik, Pakistan’s exposure to climate extremes is further exacerbated by its geographical proximity to two of the world’s largest polluters: China and India.
Read more about Pakistan’s climate vulnerabilities
Transboundary Climate Challenges Require Global Unity
Dr. Malik reiterated that climate change is a transboundary challenge. Natural disasters, rising temperatures, and environmental degradation do not respect national borders. The minister stressed:
“The solution lies in unified, science-backed action where every nation, big or small, takes responsibility.”
He encouraged a science-based, inclusive, and transparent negotiation process at COP-29, expected to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan in November 2025.
Areas of Green Collaboration Between Pakistan and Azerbaijan
The talks unlocked exciting prospects for deeper Pakistan Azerbaijan climate cooperation, especially in these strategic areas:
Renewable Energy Transition
Both nations agreed to explore solar, wind, and hydropower projects, supporting Pakistan’s 2030 renewable energy targets and Azerbaijan’s decarbonization agenda.
Climate-Smart Agriculture
Pakistan shared its experience in resilient crop patterns and agro-innovation, while Azerbaijan expressed interest in joint pilot projects for water-efficient farming.
Disaster Risk Reduction
Discussions included data-sharing mechanisms and early warning systems for floods and landslides—key for mountainous regions like Gilgit-Baltistan and the Caucasus.
Capacity Building
Both countries intend to exchange experts and collaborate on climate education, especially under UN frameworks.
These potential initiatives are expected to be formalized in a Pakistan-Azerbaijan Climate MoU in the coming months.
Looking Ahead to COP-29: Shared Goals
COP-29 is shaping up to be a pivotal summit, with major expectations around:
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Operationalizing the Loss and Damage Fund
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Scaling up adaptation finance
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Finalizing the Global Stocktake roadmap
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Accelerating fossil fuel phaseout
Dr. Malik reaffirmed Pakistan’s full support for Azerbaijan’s COP presidency and stressed the need for “climate ambition with equity”. Both countries committed to jointly pushing for a new climate finance framework that goes beyond loans and focuses on grants, resilience-building, and technology transfer.
“Climate resilience must not be a privilege; it must be a right for all,” Dr. Malik emphasized.
Conclusion: A Climate Alliance for the Future
As the world gears up for COP-29, the emerging alliance between Pakistan and Azerbaijan offers hope for constructive South-South collaboration. The bilateral meetings in Shamakhi demonstrate that developing nations can and must lead with conviction, despite overwhelming odds.
The renewed Pakistan Azerbaijan climate cooperation is not just about diplomacy—it’s about survival, justice, and the planet’s future.
