TERI @ COP29

The 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan from November 11–22, will focus heavily on climate finance and the countries’ updated national climate action plans. Themed ‘In Solidarity for a Green World,’ the conference’s priorities will include enhancing ambition, enabling action, ensuring inclusivity, and delivering equitable outcomes. Mukhtar Babayev, Azerbaijan's Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, will preside over the conference, while Samir Nuriyev will head the Organizing Committee.

A key determinant of the success of COP29 agenda will be the establishment of the New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance (NCQG), a central component of the Paris Agreement aimed at setting a more ambitious and realistic financial framework to support developing nations in their climate actions post-2025. The NCQG builds on the previous $100 billion target set in 2009 and seeks to address persistent gaps in climate finance, ensuring that the funds are accessible, equitable, and aligned with the specific needs of developing countries. As a top priority for the COP29 Presidency, developed nations are expected to take the lead in mobilising resources through various channels, fostering global partnerships, trust, and cooperation essential for the successful implementation of the Paris Agreement.

Azerbaijan’s presidency has emphasised the need to finalise a deal on the NCQG, focusing on developing countries and island states. The discussions will also highlight the importance of achieving just transitions in line with the 1.5°C global temperature target.

India, as a key player in the Global South, will play a significant role in shaping the discussions at COP29, particularly on climate finance. India has consistently advocated for a clear agreement on how developed countries will share the burden of providing climate finance to developing countries. India is pushing for $1 trillion per year, but developed nations are reluctant to shoulder the burden alone, putting pressure on expanding the contributor base. India’s stance is rooted in the principle of ‘common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities,’ which asserts that developed nations should take greater responsibility in mobilising financial resources to support developing countries. India has also argued that the conference’s success should be evaluated based on whether developed countries meet their financial commitments. Indian negotiators have stressed that future climate finance goals should align with the Paris Agreement, which emphasises equity and sustainable development.

At COP29, India will continue to push for climate finance commitments that are adequate, transparent, and equitable. The country is also expected to advocate for the inclusion of the loss and damage fund, established at COP28, in the new climate finance target. As one of the leading voices for developing nations, India’s involvement will be critical in ensuring that the outcomes of COP29 reflect the needs and priorities of the Global South.

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TERI Delegates @ COP29

Dr Vibha Dhawan

Director General

Mr R R Rashmi

Distinguished Fellow, Green Shipping

Mr Manjeev Singh Puri

Distinguished Fellow, Earth Science and Climate Change

Mr Jiwesh Nandan

Distinguished Fellow, Industrial Energy Efficiency

Dr Jitendra Vir Sharma

Senior Director, Water Waste and Natural Resources

Mr Sanjay Seth

Senior Director, Sustainable Infrastructure

Dr Dipankar Saharia

Senior Director, Social Transformation & Strategic Alliance and Administrative Services & Regional Centres

Ms Suruchi Bhadwal

Director, Climate Change and Air Quality

Dr Ritu Mathur

Director, Energy Assessment & Modelling

Mr Anshuman

Director, Water Resources

Ms Shabnam Bassi

Director, Sustainable Buildings

Dr Shailly Kedia

Associate Director, Sustainable Development and Outreach

Dr Manish Kumar Shrivastava

Associate Director, Earth Science and Climate Change

Mr Sharif Qamar

Associate Director, Transport and Urban Governance

Dr Amit Kumar Thakur

Associate Director, Social Transformation and CSR

Dr Syed Arif Wali

Associate Director, Centre for Sustainable Land Management

Mr Arupendra Nath Mullick

Area Convenor, TERI Council for Business Sustainability

Mr Sayanta Ghosh

Associate Fellow, Land Resources

Mr Varun Grover

Associate Fellow, Land Resources

Mr Aniruddh Soni

Area Convenor, Centre for Biodiversity & Ecosystem Services

Dr Sanchit Saran Agarwal

Associate Fellow, Energy Assessment & Modelling

Ms Palak Khanna

Research Associate, Sustainable Development and Outreach

Ms Tanvi Khurana

Research Associate, Earth Science and Climate Change

Mr K Sai Dinesh

Research Associate, Earth Science and Climate Change

Highlights from COP28