A hybrid conference co-hosted by the COP29 Presidency and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) brought together participants from various backgrounds to discuss energy initiatives and commitments made during COP29.
- Objectives
- The conference aimed to build momentum for COP29 by promoting sustainability in international climate and energy relations, mobilize support and action for COP30, encourage broad participation in global energy initiatives, strengthen multilateral dialogue, and conceptualize next steps to accelerate the transition to sustainable energy systems.
Hen Liu, UNIDO’s Senior Technical Advisor on Climate and Technology Partnerships, opened and moderated the event, which featured addresses by various representatives, including Fatu Haydara, Deputy Director-General and Executive Director of the Global Partnerships and External Relations Department of UNIDO; Rovshan Sadigbayli, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Austria and Permanent Representative to UNIDO; and others.
- These addresses emphasized the importance of international cooperation in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable energy initiatives.
- The conference also featured a joint presentation by Rana Goneim, Head of the Energy and Climate Action Department of UNIDO, Elmar Mammadov, Jala Ibrahimova, and Lala Mehdiyeva, Co-Chairs of the COP29 Action Agenda Global Initiatives Group, and Ashraf Shikhaliyev, Head of the International Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Energy of Azerbaijan, on energy initiatives at COP29.
The conference resulted in the approval of several key commitments, including the “Commitment on Green Energy Zones and Corridors,” which was endorsed by 57 Parties and 9 non-Parties at COP29. The “Hydrogen Declaration” was also endorsed by 63 Parties and 15 non-Parties, while the “Energy Storage and Grid Commitment” received endorsement from 65 Parties and 42 non-Parties.
| Commitment | Number of Parties | Number of Non-Parties |
|---|---|---|
| Commitment on Green Energy Zones and Corridors | 57 Parties | 9 Non-Parties |
| The Hydrogen Declaration | 63 Parties | 15 Non-Parties |
| Energy Storage and Grid Commitment | 65 Parties | 42 Non-Parties |
"It is crucial to acknowledge the progress made so far and to recognize the importance of continued international cooperation in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable energy initiatives."
— Hen Liu, UNIDO’s Senior Technical Advisor on Climate and Technology Partnerships
The conference served as a platform for participants to express their commitment to these initiatives and to discuss the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The COP29 Presidency and UNIDO aimed to build momentum for COP30 by promoting sustainability in international climate and energy relations.
As the conference concluded, participants acknowledged the progress made during COP29 and expressed their commitment to ongoing international cooperation in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable energy initiatives. The event demonstrated the importance of multilateral dialogue and collaboration in achieving these goals.
Next Steps
The conference provided an opportunity for participants to conceptualize next steps to accelerate the transition to sustainable energy systems. The COP29 Presidency and UNIDO aim to continue promoting sustainability in international climate and energy relations, mobilizing support and action for COP30, and encouraging broad participation in global energy initiatives.
As we move forward, it is essential to recognize the importance of continued international cooperation in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable energy initiatives. The conference serves as a reminder that together, we can make a difference and create a more sustainable future for all.
The outcomes of the conference will inform the development of policies and strategies aimed at achieving the goals of COP30. The COP29 Presidency and UNIDO will continue to work with governments, international organizations, the private sector, and civil society to promote sustainability in international climate and energy relations.
Ultimately, the success of COP30 and the transition to sustainable energy systems depend on the collective efforts of governments, international organizations, the private sector, and civil society.
