The Commonwealth Secretariat and the Government of Azerbaijan have signed a landmark joint declaration in Tonga aimed at enhancing climate action in Small Developing Island States (SIDS) and other vulnerable member countries.
This historic agreement underscores both parties' commitment to addressing the urgent challenges posed by climate change, particularly in regions most susceptible to its effects.
As part of this initiative, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has also been signed between the Azerbaijan Space Agency, Azercosmos, and the Commonwealth Secretariat. This MOU focuses on the utilisation of geospatial information to support climate action across Commonwealth member countries.
By harnessing the power of space technology and geospatial data, this partnership aims to bolster climate resilience, improve disaster preparedness, and support sustainable development.
Speaking at the signing ceremony at the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, highlighted the significance of these agreements ahead of the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP29, to be hosted by the Government of Azerbaijan in November.
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The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, said:
"This collaboration with Azerbaijan represents a critical step forward in our collective efforts to combat climate change and protect vulnerable communities. Through innovative solutions like geospatial technology, we can enhance our ability to monitor environmental changes and implement effective climate strategies.
"We thank the Government of Azerbaijan for partnering with the Commonwealth Secretariat to bring awareness and finding solutions to a serious global threat, but acutely so for small and vulnerable states."
Mukhtar Babayev, COP29 President-Designate and Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Government of Azerbaijan, welcomed the partnership that will further advance efforts of Small Developing Island States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in achieving Sustainable Development Goals.
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Mukhtar Babayev, COP29 President-Designate and Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Azerbaijan, said:
"Azerbaijan is committed to contributing to global climate action, and through the Joint Declaration and MOU with the Commonwealth Secretariat, this collaboration reinforces the COP29 Presidency's commitment to amplifying the voices of the least developed countries and small island states. Through this collaboration, we aim to inform and guide climate policies across Commonwealth countries, addressing the unique challenges faced by these vulnerable nations and strengthening their resilience in the run-up to COP29 and beyond."
These agreements mark the beginning of a strengthened relationship between the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Government of Azerbaijan, aimed at creating a more sustainable and resilient future for all Commonwealth countries.
All photos courtesy of COP29 Azerbaijan.
Media contact
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Suné Kitshoff Senior Communications Officer, Communications Division, Commonwealth Secretariat
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