The President of Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon, as the leader of the pioneer state in the promotion of global water and climate issues, was one of the first to deliver speech on November 12 at the opening of the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Changes in Azerbaijan’s capital, Baku.
The Tajik president’s official website says Emomali Rahmon drew the attention of the participants of the high-level conference to the issues of climate threats and their consequences, and called on the conference participants to increase their efforts and actions to solve climate problems.
He, in particular, emphasized that the measures taken will undoubtedly help to strengthen the capacity of countries in adaptation and reduce vulnerability to climate change, including through financial assistance from developed countries.
In connection with the transition to "green energy", he proposed to take urgent actions in this direction. President Emomali Rahmon stated that the effective use of renewable energy sources will efficiently contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the development of the "green economy".
He deliberated on the adoption of the Strategy for the development of the "green economy" by Tajikistan and stated that Tajikistan intends to make energy production in the country entirely from renewable sources by 2032, and by 2037. “We will transform Tajikistan into a "green" country”,” the Tajik leader stated.
He further noted that today 98 percent of electricity in Tajikistan is generated by hydropower, and the share of Tajikistan in the amount of greenhouse gas emissions is at a low level, and according to this indicator, it is in 130th place in the world.
Emomali Rahmon reportedly also drew the attention of state leaders and experts to the topic of the close connection between water and climate, and suggested that special attention should be paid to the rapid melting of glaciers.
Concluding his speech, President Emomali Rahmon reportedly proposed that a Regional Coordination Center on Glaciology be established in the city of Dushanbe under the auspices of the World Meteorological Organization and in cooperation with other development partners, according to the Tajik president’s official website.
Meanwhile, the COP29 press center says the COP25 summit primarily focused on increasing climate finance. Multilateral development banks (MDBs) reportedly presented at the summit projections for annual climate action financing totaling US$170 billion, committed to supporting low- and middle-income countries. By 2030, MDBs plan to allocate US$120 billion annually to climate projects, with $42 billion dedicated to adaptation efforts. Additionally, they aim to mobilize up to US$65 billion per year from the private sector. For high-income countries, MDBs intend to provide US$50 billion annually, including US$7 billion for adaptation initiatives.
COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev reportedly emphasized that despite ongoing efforts, a gap still exists between the current level of funding and the real needs, particularly considering the scale and urgency of the climate issue. Babayev highlighted the importance of support and contributions from international financial institutions in establishing a new, more ambitious climate finance goal, as noted in the COP29 press release.
The summit reportedly also introduced the Loss and Damage Response Fund, which is now ready to receive contributions and will begin funding projects in 2025. This fund is created to support countries and communities most vulnerable to climate change impacts. For example, Sweden has pledged $19 million to the fund, making a significant contribution to its development.
