In Georgia, we take our responsibility to address the climate crisis and have already undertaken significant steps to make a meaningful impact, said the Prime Minister of Georgia in his speech at the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku.

“This event marks a significant milestone as it is the 1st time that a country from the South Caucasus is hosting the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. I want to wish Azerbaijan every success in guiding us towards a fruitful and ambitious outcome at COP29, fostering a collaborative spirit, constructive dialogue throughout the negotiations.

This conference comes at a critical juncture, as climate change emerges as one of the most pressing challenges of our era, demanding the urgent global action and cooperation to confront its far-reaching consequences. Regrettably, along this journey armed conflicts not only lead to profound humanitarian crises but also disrupt and slow the world’s efforts to combat climate change.

Escalating impacts of climate change, including the rapid melting of glaciers and rising sea levels, are profoundly disrupting economies of the developing countries and jeopardising the livelihoods of particularly vulnerable nations and communities. Regrettably, Georgia is no exception in facing harsh repercussions of climate change. In recent years, acknowledgment of the links between human rights and the environment has greatly increased.

During Georgia’s presidency of the Council of Europe in 2019-2020, one of the four priorities was human rights and environmental protection. In the final declaration by the Presidency of the Committee of Ministers, the Council of Europe’s role as the guarantor of our common Pan-European legal framework was underscored, emphasizing its responsibility in integrating environmental dimensions into human rights initiatives and promoting a rights-based approach to environmental protection. This declaration laid the foundation for significant advancements in environmental protection within the Council of Europe. The Constitution of Georgia singles out the right to the environment as a basic right, while in the constitutions of a number of leading countries, the right of life is used when discussing the right to the environment, so does the European Court of Human Rights.

In response to these urgent challenges, it is crucial that we remain steadfast in our commitment to halve global greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Achieving this goal is critical if we are to limit global warming to the 1.5 Degrees Celsius target set by the Paris Agreement.

The Government of Georgia is dedicated to fulfilling its national commitments by taking concrete actions to implement the Paris Agreement. To this end, Georgia is committed to submitting its third-generation Nationally Determined Contributions by 2025, consistent with the aim of limiting global warming to within the 1.5 Degrees Celsius limit and advancing the vision of Europe as the first continent to achieve net-zero emissions. In preparing the new NDC, the Government of Georgia is actively engaging key stakeholders by embracing an inclusive, whole-of-society approach. Regrettably, due to the ongoing illegal occupation of Georgia’s Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions, the Government is prevented from the possibility to implement similar measures in the mentioned regions, which consist of the 20% of Georgia’s territories with the aim to reduce harmful impacts of climate change and mitigate its implications.

The outcome of the New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance will determine whether COP29 is viewed as a success. The NCQG must see a significant increase from the current USD 100 billion target, and stimulate the alignment of global financial flows with the goals of the Paris Agreement. In that context, it is worth recalling that at COP28 it was acknowledged that developing countries would need close to USD 6 trillion by the end of this decade to effectively address climate change. COP29 must also improve access to climate finance for developing countries, and build capacity so that these countries can effectively utilize increased climate finance.

In Georgia, we take our responsibility to address the climate crisis and have already undertaken significant steps to make a meaningful impact. Georgia is committed to ongoing efforts to mainstream climate action in the national budget, through annual assessments enabling us to measure the impact of climate change on our expenditures and economic development. This work identifies mitigation and adaptation costs and promotes partner collaboration, laying foundations for coordinating climate finance to enhance resilience and achieve NDC targets.

Effective climate policy development, alongside transformative programmes and the decoupling of economic growth in developing countries, depends heavily on the successful alignment of global financial flows with the Paris Agreement’s objectives. Substantial financial support, technical assistance, and technology transfer to developing nations are all crucial for effective implementation of their ambitious climate targets.

In conclusion, let me stress that Georgia is honoured to participate in the COP taking place in our region. Let us begin the journey of turning our collective aspirations into meaningful results in the fight against climate change. We will work to support our neighbours and friends from Azerbaijan to achieve a successful outcome of COP29. Together we are transforming South Caucasus region into the region of opportunities and success”, - said Irakli Kobakhidze.