Written by: Ms. Khadija Iftikhar
Introduction
Throughout human history, world leaders have come together to address challenges that extend beyond national borders. From the historic Congress of Vienna to the Paris Agreement, international cooperation has played an important role in resolving shared global issues.
The Conference of the Parties is another major international initiative through which countries collaborate to address climate change and protect the future of the planet.
What Is the Conference of the Parties?
The Conference of the Parties, commonly known as COP, is the supreme decision-making body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
The UNFCCC was established during the Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. The first conference, COP1, was held in Berlin in 1995.
Since then, COP meetings have been held annually to:
- Assess international progress in addressing climate change
- Negotiate climate-related agreements
- Establish global environmental targets
- Strengthen cooperation between developed and developing countries
- Review national climate commitments
- Mobilize financial and technical support for vulnerable nations
Overview of COP29
COP29 was held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 11 to 22 November 2024.
The conference built upon the objectives of the Paris Agreement, particularly the goal of limiting the rise in global temperature to 1.5°C.
COP29 focused on responding to worsening climate impacts, including:
- Rising global temperatures
- Extreme weather events
- Floods and droughts
- Melting glaciers
- Rising sea levels
- Food and water insecurity
- Climate-induced displacement
The conference emphasized stronger global cooperation and accelerated action for a more resilient future.
Its major priorities included climate adaptation, emissions reduction, climate finance, loss and damage, renewable energy and the revision of Nationally Determined Contributions.
COP29 also encouraged the participation of young people, Indigenous communities and climate-vulnerable populations to promote fair and inclusive climate action.
Major Proceedings at COP29
World Leaders Climate Action Summit
The World Leaders Climate Action Summit brought together heads of state and government to demonstrate their commitment to addressing climate change.
The summit emphasized accountability and encouraged countries to present updates on their climate targets, achievements and future plans.
Belgium announced its intention to double its climate finance contribution, while Brazil committed to reducing its emissions by 67% by 2035.
The discussions focused on:
- Accelerating the transition towards renewable energy
- Reducing methane emissions
- Supporting climate-vulnerable countries
- Strengthening national climate commitments
- Achieving the objectives of the Paris Agreement
- Promoting international cooperation for sustainable development
Global Methane Summit
The Global Methane Summit brought together international leaders, experts and environmental organizations to address methane emissions.
Methane is considerably more powerful than carbon dioxide in trapping heat over the short term. However, it remains in the atmosphere for a shorter period, making methane reduction one of the fastest ways to slow near-term global warming.
Participants renewed their commitment to reducing global methane emissions by 30% by 2030.
The summit particularly focused on emissions from:
- Agriculture
- Oil and gas production
- Waste management
- Livestock farming
- Energy infrastructure
Countries including the United States, Azerbaijan and China announced measures to control methane leaks from oil and gas operations.
Other countries focused on improving livestock management, modernizing waste systems and expanding access to methane-reduction technologies.
Developed countries also pledged technical and financial support to help developing nations adopt cleaner practices.
The summit concluded with a call for countries to include methane reduction measures in their national climate strategies.
Side Events and Innovations
COP29 hosted several additional events, forums and workshops aimed at supporting practical climate action.
Major events included:
- World Leaders Climate Action Summit
- Global Methane Pledge Forum
- Youth Climate Action Dialogues
- Innovations in Renewable Energy Pavilion
- Nature-Based Solutions and Biodiversity Panel
- Finance for Climate Resilience Workshops
These events provided governments, researchers, businesses, young people and civil society organizations with opportunities to share knowledge and develop collaborative climate solutions.
Treaties, Financial Commitments and New Targets
Loss and Damage Fund
The Loss and Damage Fund was initially agreed upon at COP27 to support countries facing severe climate-related disasters.
These disasters include:
- Floods
- Droughts
- Rising sea levels
- Storms
- Heatwaves
- Agricultural losses
- Destruction of infrastructure
During COP29, discussions continued regarding the management, allocation and accessibility of the fund.
New Zealand announced an additional contribution of $10 million to support countries experiencing serious climate impacts.
Pakistan strongly advocated for simplified and transparent procedures through which vulnerable countries could access financial assistance.
This demand was particularly important because Pakistan continues to face the economic and social consequences of disasters such as the devastating floods of 2022.
The Loss and Damage Fund is expected to become an important mechanism for climate justice. It aims to support countries that contribute relatively little to global emissions but suffer disproportionately from climate change.
However, disagreements emerged between developed and developing countries over the amount of financial assistance.
The COP presidency initially proposed an annual climate finance target of $250 billion for developing countries until 2035. Developing nations argued that the amount was insufficient compared to the scale of climate-related losses.
Following extended negotiations, countries agreed on a target of at least $300 billion annually by 2035. This replaced the previous annual climate finance goal of $100 billion.
Enhancing Nationally Determined Contributions
Nationally Determined Contributions are the climate commitments submitted by individual countries under the Paris Agreement.
Several countries presented updated or more ambitious targets at COP29.
Brazil committed to reducing emissions by 67% by 2035, while other countries announced plans to reduce coal consumption and expand renewable energy.
These updated commitments reflected the findings of the Global Stocktake, which identified major gaps between existing climate action and the measures required to meet international temperature targets.
Developed nations were also urged to increase financial and technological support for adaptation and mitigation efforts in developing countries.
The conference emphasized that countries must work collectively to close the global ambition gap while protecting vulnerable communities.
Pakistan’s Policy Recommendations at COP29
Pakistan presented several policy recommendations to address its climate challenges and contribute to international climate action.
Increased Climate Finance
Pakistan emphasized the urgent need for fair and timely access to international climate finance.
It called upon developed countries to fulfil their financial commitments and prioritize grants rather than loans.
Grant-based assistance is important because climate loans can further increase the debt burden of vulnerable developing countries.
Support for the Loss and Damage Fund
Pakistan called for the rapid and effective implementation of the Loss and Damage Fund.
It also demanded a fair allocation of funds for countries repeatedly affected by climate disasters.
Pakistan has experienced extensive economic, agricultural and infrastructure losses due to floods, droughts and other extreme weather events.
Renewable Energy Transition
Pakistan highlighted its potential for solar and wind energy development.
It called for international partnerships, investment and technical assistance to expand renewable energy infrastructure.
A stronger renewable energy sector could help Pakistan:
- Reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels
- Improve national energy security
- Lower greenhouse gas emissions
- Create green employment opportunities
- Provide affordable and sustainable electricity
Climate-Resilient Agriculture
Pakistan requested international assistance to introduce sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices.
Erratic monsoons, droughts, floods and rising temperatures continue to threaten the country’s food security.
Recommended measures included:
- Regenerative agriculture
- Agroforestry
- Conservation tillage
- Crop diversification
- Drought-resistant crops
- Drip irrigation
- Rainwater harvesting
- Improved soil management
- Reduced dependence on harmful chemicals
Pakistan also emphasized the need to provide training, financial support and modern tools to small-scale farmers.
Climate insurance and easier access to agricultural credit were proposed to protect farmers from financial losses caused by extreme weather events.
These measures can help maintain agricultural productivity while developing long-term resilience against climate shocks.
Adaptation and Water Management
Pakistan highlighted the urgent need for climate-resilient water management.
The country depends heavily on the Indus River system and remains vulnerable to changing rainfall patterns and the melting of Himalayan glaciers.
Pakistan recommended greater investment in:
- Watershed management
- Flood-control infrastructure
- Glacier monitoring
- Water conservation
- Early warning systems
- Climate-resilient dams and reservoirs
- Efficient irrigation systems
Global Cooperation on Climate-Induced Displacement
Pakistan called for international recognition of people displaced by climate-related disasters.
It recommended developing global frameworks for their protection, rehabilitation and long-term support.
The devastating floods of 2022 affected and displaced millions of people across Pakistan, demonstrating the urgent need to address climate-induced migration.
Capacity Building and Technology Transfer
Pakistan requested access to modern technologies and international training programmes.
These resources are needed to strengthen the country’s capacity in:
- Renewable energy
- Disaster-risk reduction
- Climate forecasting
- Early warning systems
- Sustainable agriculture
- Climate-resilient infrastructure
- Water-resource management
Technology transfer can help developing countries implement effective climate solutions without bearing an unaffordable financial burden.
Focus on Climate Equity and Justice
Pakistan emphasized the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.
Under this principle, all countries must participate in climate action, but developed nations should take greater responsibility because of their historical contribution to global emissions.
Pakistan urged developed countries to lead emissions-reduction efforts while providing financial and technical assistance to developing economies.
Major Declarations at COP29
COP29 Declaration on Green Digital Action
The COP29 Declaration on Green Digital Action focused on using digital technologies to strengthen climate action.
It encouraged the Information and Communication Technology sector to reduce its environmental impact while supporting sustainable development.
The declaration aimed to:
- Align digital development with the Sustainable Development Goals
- Reduce emissions from the technology sector
- Promote cooperation between governments, businesses and civil society
- Mobilize investment in green technologies
- Support digital capacity building in developing countries
- Use digital tools for climate monitoring and disaster management
- Develop systems for measuring the climate impact of digital initiatives
The declaration recognized that digital transformation can play an important role in addressing the climate crisis.
Baku Declaration on Water for Climate Action
The Baku Declaration on Water for Climate Action was endorsed by nearly 50 countries.
It promotes integrated approaches to address the relationship between climate change and water resources.
The declaration encourages countries to include water-related adaptation and mitigation measures in their:
- Nationally Determined Contributions
- National Adaptation Plans
- Water-management policies
- Regional climate strategies
Signatories also agreed to strengthen scientific research and data sharing regarding the impact of climate change on water resources and river basins.
The declaration supports the development of basin-wide climate scenarios and greater regional and international cooperation.
COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev emphasized that water connects the climate, biodiversity and desertification crises. The initiative therefore aims to improve collaboration between countries and future climate conferences.
Pakistan’s Continuing Role in Global Climate Diplomacy
COP29 prepared the ground for further discussions at COP30 in Brazil and for the implementation of international climate solutions.
Pakistan’s role as a strong advocate for climate-vulnerable countries remains important.
Its demands for accessible climate finance, adaptation support, water security, renewable energy, agricultural resilience and climate justice reflect the wider concerns of developing nations.
Conclusion
As COP29 concluded, global leaders, climate advocates and civil society organizations left Baku with renewed determination.
However, the conference also reinforced an important reality: climate pledges cannot remain limited to written agreements. They must be followed by urgent, measurable and inclusive action.
The demands for climate justice, stronger financial support and protection for vulnerable communities extend far beyond conference halls.
Environmental activist Wangari Maathai once said:
“It’s the little things citizens do. That’s what will make the difference. My little thing is mine, yours is yours.”
COP29 provided new commitments, tools and momentum. Governments, organizations and individuals must now use them responsibly.
The journey towards a sustainable future does not end with one conference. It continues through every policy, investment and individual decision made by the global community.
Climate action is a shared responsibility. The future of the planet depends on cooperation, fairness and the choices made today.