The Commonwealth Secretariat and the Government of Azerbaijan have signed a landmark joint statement in Tonga aimed at strengthening climate action in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and other vulnerable member states.
This historic agreement underlines the determination of both parties to address the most pressing challenges of climate change, particularly in the regions most vulnerable to its impacts.
As part of this initiative, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was also signed between the Azerbaijan Space Agency, Azercosmos and the Commonwealth Secretariat. This MOU focuses on the use of geospatial information to support climate action in Commonwealth member countries.
By leveraging the capabilities of space technology and geospatial data, this partnership aims to strengthen climate resilience, improve disaster preparedness and support sustainable development.
Speaking at the signing ceremony at the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Heads of State and Government Meeting, Commonwealth Secretary-General Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC stressed the importance of these agreements in view of the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference (COP29), which will be hosted by the Government of Azerbaijan in November.
The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt Hon. Patricia Scotland KCsaid: “This collaboration with Azerbaijan represents a critical step forward in our joint efforts to combat climate change and protect vulnerable communities. Through innovative solutions such as geospatial technology, we can improve our ability to monitor environmental changes and implement effective climate strategies.
“We thank the Government of Azerbaijan for working with the Commonwealth Secretariat to raise awareness and find solutions to a serious global threat that particularly affects small and vulnerable states.”
Mukhtar Babayev, COP29 President-elect and Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Government of Azerbaijan, welcomed the partnership, which will further advance the efforts of small island developing states (SIDS) and least developed countries (LDCs) to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
Mukhtar Babayev, COP29 President-elect and Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Azerbaijansaid: “Azerbaijan is committed to contributing to global climate action and through the Joint Statement and MOU with the Commonwealth Secretariat, this collaboration reaffirms the COP29 Presidency’s commitment to amplify the voices of least developed countries and small island developing states. Through this collaboration, we aim to inform and guide climate policy across Commonwealth countries, address the unique challenges facing these vulnerable countries and build 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 with the aim of creating a more sustainable and resilient future for all Commonwealth countries.
