No Formal Objection to New Collective Quantified Goal at COP29: Azerbaijan Lead Negotiator

COP29’s Lead Negotiator Yalchin Rafiyev declared there were no formal objections to the New Collective Quantified Goal, which sets climate action funding at $300 billion annually by 2035. This statement follows controversy surrounding India’s rejection of the decision, reaffirming the process’s inclusivity while emphasizing that the established goals reflect broad consensus despite opposing views.

Yalchin Rafiyev, the Lead Negotiator for COP29 hosted in Baku, stated there were no formal objections to the decision on the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG). His comments come after the talks ended with significant disputes, particularly spearheaded by India opposing what it termed a “stage-managed” climate finance deal. The contentious proposal raised the climate action goal to at least $300 billion annually by 2035 for developing countries, placing the onus on developed nations to lead this effort.

Notably, during the discussions, India sought to express their dissent before the proposal’s adoption, but their request went unheard before the decision was finalized. Rafiyev asserted that “we have not seen any party… that wanted to object the decision.” He further explained that the initial discussions started with a goal of $250 billion, which they successfully increased, and highlighted the $1.3 trillion roadmap available for operationalization.

Rafiyev emphasized the inclusivity of the COP process, indicating that many opportunities for dialogue were created, including a pre-COP retreat for all heads of delegations. He noted that all parties, especially those representing developing nations, participated in focused group discussions. Indian officials refuted his claims, emphasizing their objections were clear during the plenary.

Reflecting on the challenges of the previous year, Rafiyev remarked that COP29 still achieved significant outcomes despite several elections globally affecting government stances on climate action. He highlighted the collaborative agreement reached on NCQG and other vital decisions, including the operationalization of the loss and damage fund.

Additionally, Rafiyev addressed the implications of the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, stating that the finance target established in Baku surpasses any single party’s influence and spans beyond election cycles. He noted the increasing active roles of China and the UK in leading discussions on climate change, implying that COP29’s presidency played a pivotal role in advancing from an initial goal of $250 billion to the final goal of $300 billion, which was not aimed at completely resolving the climate crisis.

In summary, Yalchin Rafiyev confirmed that COP29 proceeded without formal objections regarding the New Collective Quantified Goal. Despite India’s significant opposition, the negotiations led to a commitment of at least $300 billion annually by 2035. The process was characterized by inclusivity and multiple engagement opportunities among parties. The outcomes achieved demonstrate collaborative efforts amidst challenges, highlighting the importance of multilateralism in addressing climate issues.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com