Baku, AZERTAC — Jacob Mudenda, the Speaker of the National Assembly of Zimbabwe, arrived in Azerbaijan on Friday to participate in the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Upon arrival at Heydar Aliyev International Airport, Mudenda was warmly welcomed by Azerbaijani Members of Parliament (MPs) Mahir Suleymanli and Shahin Ismayilov, along with other local officials. His visit marks a significant moment for Zimbabwe’s involvement in the global conversation on climate change, especially as the world focuses on climate action and sustainable development during COP29.
The Speaker’s participation in COP29 is part of his broader diplomatic mission to engage with international leaders and contribute to global discussions on addressing the climate crisis. The conference will offer opportunities for cross-border cooperation, exchange of knowledge, and forging partnerships aimed at combating climate change, a challenge that transcends national borders.
As part of the COP29 proceedings, Baku will host a major Parliamentary Meeting on November 16-17. Co-organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the Milli Majlis, Azerbaijan’s National Assembly, the event is set to bring together 92 delegations from 66 countries, along with various international organizations. This high-level parliamentary forum will discuss the role of legislators in addressing climate change, shaping policies, and encouraging the implementation of climate action agreements.
The gathering in Baku underscores the growing role of parliamentarians in the climate change dialogue. Lawmakers from across the world will engage in discussions about how national legislation can support international climate goals, particularly in the lead-up to the pivotal 2030 climate targets. Key topics on the agenda include climate financing, sustainable development, and the urgent need for climate adaptation and mitigation strategies, particularly for countries most vulnerable to climate impacts.
Zimbabwe’s presence at COP29 is a clear signal of the country’s commitment to the global climate agenda. Zimbabwe has faced severe environmental challenges, including droughts, water shortages, and the adverse impacts of climate change on agriculture. The country is looking to collaborate with global partners to not only address its climate challenges but also share experiences on sustainable development and the importance of resilience-building in vulnerable regions.
As the global community grapples with the escalating effects of climate change, the inclusion of countries like Zimbabwe in COP29 discussions is vital. It highlights the need for a collective global response, with both developed and developing nations playing an integral role in the fight against climate change.
The Parliamentary Meeting will allow participants, including Speaker Mudenda, to contribute their national perspectives while aligning with the broader goals of the UNFCCC. These discussions are expected to lay the groundwork for stronger international collaborations that will guide future climate policies and actions in the coming decades.
With COP29 underway, all eyes will be on Baku as the international community converges to debate and adopt measures aimed at curbing climate change. As the world anticipates ambitious outcomes, the role of parliamentarians will be pivotal in ensuring that the necessary legal and policy frameworks are put in place to support the climate action efforts outlined in global agreements.
Speaker Mudenda’s participation at COP29 and the Parliamentary Meeting will undoubtedly contribute to strengthening Zimbabwe’s position in the international climate dialogue while advancing global efforts to build a sustainable, resilient future for all nations.
Source: AZERTAC