UNFCCC COP29 BAKU: REPORT ON THE PARTICIPATION OF THE ‘AHOA’ AND ITS CIVIL SOCIETY PARTNERS, AND OUTCOME OF THE CONFERENCE

AFRIHEALTH OPTONET ASSOCIATION (AHOA)

UNFCCC COP29 BAKU: REPORT ON THE PARTICIPATION OF THE ‘AHOA’ AND ITS CIVIL SOCIETY PARTNERS, AND THE OUTCOME OF THE CONFERENCE 

by Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje. CEO/Programmes Director,                         Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) .                                                                 Email: uzodinma.adirieje@afrihealthcsos.org

Participation of the AHOA and its Partners

The Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) is a civil society organization (CSO) global Network and Think-tank that supported Azerbaijan in its very successful hosting of the 29th Conference of Parties (COP29) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The AHOA is a network of more than 2,800 organizations from 120 countries. The COP is an annual international climate summit where world leaders work together to address climate change. The UNFCCC’s goal is to prevent “dangerous” human interference with the climate system. The AHOA/ANCSO/GCSCCC Team included leaders from various countries, and received the cooperation and support of the COP29 Presidency, Azerbaijan NGO Agency, Azerbaijan National NGO Forum, Baku Initiative Group, and AFRIHEALTH Azerbaijan Group; which contributed to the successes and impact of the civil society team at the COP29, as well as ensured the seamless participation by the AHOA CSO team.

Climate change is a major threat to Nigeria and Africa, affecting food security, agricultural production, and the environment. Climate change increases diseases and pests, which reduces agricultural production; while the declining rainfall especially in Northern is causing desertification. Nigeria has one of the highest rates of deforestation in the world, which is a primary source of greenhouse gas emissions. Nigeria’s Climate Change Act 2021 established the National Council on Climate Change to address climate change; with a major aim to achieve low greenhouse gas emissions through green growth and sustainable economic development. The imperative of achieving rapid and sustained reductions in greenhouse gas emissions can never be overemphasized. 

Pre-COP29 Days Activities, before Commencement of the COP29 in Baku

Preparing for Baku:

The AHOA hosted events to discuss the challenges of achieving the 2030 Agenda, and how to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This event featured participants from many countries, including Nigeria, The Bahamas, Burkina Faso, Bangladesh, Yemen, India, Rwanda, Kenya, Nepal, Ghana, and Colombia. The event focused on the need for improved communication and collaboration among stakeholders.

Rallying global stakeholders:

AHOA rallied global stakeholders to fast-track the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The event featured participants from many countries, including Nigeria, The Bahamas, Burkina Faso, Bangladesh, Yemen, India, Rwanda, Kenya, Nepal, Ghana, and Colombia.

As part of its support to Azerbaijan, the AHOA:

1. 1. Issued their statement of solidarity with the COP29 Presidency and the host country, Azerbaijan in March 2024:

1. 1. recognizing Azerbaijan’s commitment to climate and environmental stewardship;

1. 1. highlighting the importance of civil society in climate action;

1. 1. expressing confidence in Azerbaijan’s ability to facilitate collaboration and drive commitments towards a sustainable future;

1. 1. standing in solidarity with Azerbaijan and civil society organizations worldwide

• • The AHOA successfully mobilized support for the above statement, which received endorsements from 107 civil society organizations from 30 countries across Africa, The Americas, Asia, Europe, Caribbean, Pacific and Oceania regions.

• • In addition to these, the CEO of AHOA Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje had in series of interviews, expressed the readiness and optimism of AHOA that COP29 would be the most productive COP ever held; and COP29 would mark Azerbaijan’s leadership in climate action.

• • In the prelude to this, the AHOA organized a “Global Consultation of the Civil Society on UNFCC COP29, Azerbaijan” in January 2024. This consultation led to the formation of the Global Consortium of Civil Society and Non-State Actors on Climate Change (GCSCCC).

• • Statement of support: AHOA’s head, Uzodinma Adirieje, signed a statement of support for Azerbaijan’s role in COP29. Over 100 organizations worldwide endorsed the statement.  Adirieje noted that it would be acceptable for NGOs to support the overall process leading up to COP29 by coming together under one umbrella.

• • Global Consultation of the Civil Society: AHOA organized a global consultation on the UNFCC COP29 in Azerbaijan. The consultation led to the formation of the GCSCCC.

• • AHOA organized a colloquium that called on governments to take action to protect citizens’ health from the climate crisis. It organized a Global Consultation of the Civil Society on UNFCCC COP29 in January 2024. The consultation formed the Global Civil Society Consultative Committee (GCSCCC).

• • Advocacy: AHOA advocated for NGOs to work together to support COP29, and for unity among NGOs

• • Colloquium: Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) organized a colloquium that called on governments to prioritize the right to health of citizens at the UNFCCC COP29 in Baku, and to take action to mitigate the negative effects of the climate crisis on health.

The colloquium further urged governments to:

1. 1. Involve marginalized people in decision-making and benefit from information sharing; as well as for strategies to involve marginalized groups in the creation and implementation of policies, programs, and projects

1. 1. Ensure that marginalized people benefit equitably from programs, projects, and policies

1. 1. Implement concrete measures to mitigate the climate crisis’s impact on health

1. 1. inclusion of marginalized people in decision-making

1. 1. And at COP29, governments are expected to agree to an updated climate finance commitment and to make more efforts to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions

1. 1. Call to action: At COP29 in Baku, the Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) called for strategies to ensure that marginalized groups are involved in the following processes:

1. 1. Setting and implementing goals and policies

1. 1. Allocating tax resources

1. 1. Operating programs

1. 1. Designing, implementing, monitoring, reporting, and evaluating projects

1. 1. Distributing benefits like contracts and patronage equitably

AHOA urges governments, stakeholders, and development partners to:

• • Involve citizens, Indigenous people, and those marginalized in all fields of human endeavor

• • Formulate, plan, implement, monitor, evaluate, audit, improve, and expand programs, projects, policies, and practices

At COP29, governments are expected to:

• • Climate finance: Governments are urged to agree to an ambitious and updated climate finance commitment, the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG)

• • Promote and sustain the benefits of deep, rapid, and sustained reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for health, including lower air pollution, sustainable diets, and active mobility;

• • reductions in greenhouse gas emissions;

• • Recognize that healthy populations contribute to climate resilience; and are effects of climate resilience and successful adaptation across sectors.

During the COP29 in Baku, 11^th – 22^nd November 2024

The AHOA and Partners team led by Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje as the CEO/Programmes Director of the Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA), Chairperson of the Global Civil Society Consortium on Climate Change and the Conferences of Parties (GCSCCC) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and President of the African Network of Civil Society Organizations (ANCSO), actively participated in the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, as an African leader who pushed for investments and reduced debt. Adirieje spoke on five occasions at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, outlining proffering policy priorities to help Africa become climate resilient while appreciating the support of the Baku Initiative Group for African organizations. Dr. Adirieje praised the event’s organization by the COP29 Presidency and the results achieved, which he said exceeded expectations.

With the particular reference to the UNFCCC COP29 Baku, the leadership of the AHOA Network and its Partners contributed as follow:

1. 1. On March 8, 2024, AHOA released a statement of support for Azerbaijan, signed by its CEO, Uzodinma Adirieje. It was a statement of support for COP29 Presidency, and was endorsed by 107 organizations worldwide; with the suggestions that the main topics of COP29 should include phasing out fossil fuels, building climate-resilient societies, and investing in financial flows towards climate. It had been acknowledged that AHOA’s support for Azerbaijan’s hosting of COP29 is a significant endorsement of the country’s commitment to global climate action;  

1. 1. Expressed gratitude and thanked Azerbaijan for the excellent organization of the COP29 event;

1. 1. Support for African countries: AHOA facilitated the establishment of an organization in Africa to ensure that African countries participated in COP29. AHOA’s CEO also highlighted the Baku Initiative Group’s commitment to supporting African peoples who are suffering under neo-colonialism. The BIG delegation met with AHOA’s leadership and other representatives from African countries to discuss neocolonialism and how to prevent it. The meeting included representatives from Mali, Togo, Djibouti, Nigeria, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Mauritania; and discussed neocolonialism, potential prevention steps, and joint cooperation projects. 

1. 1. Thanked the Baku Initiative Group (BIG) which has supported African countries in their participation in the conference. He emphasized the importance of BIG’s commitment to supporting African peoples, hoping that this support would continue to grow;

1. 1. Led the African Group/delegation at the meeting with the BIG delegation with representatives from African representatives to discuss issues such as neocolonialism, joint cooperation projects, and reparations for environmental and health damage. These representatives included parliamentarians, NGO leaders, politicians, eco-activists, and human rights defenders;

1. 1. Advocated for NGOs to unite in support of the COP29 process;

1. 1. Spoke at the COP29 as the leader/head of the African CSOs to the COP29, and CEO of AHOA, a global think tank specializing in health;

1. 1. Praised the organization of the COP29 event in Azerbaijan, saying that the level of organization exceeded expectations;

1. 1. Supported African participation: Adirieje established an organization in Africa to ensure that African countries would participate in COP29;

1. 1. Met with African representatives: Adirieje met with representatives from African nations and communities that have been affected by colonialism; during which they discussed neocolonialism, potential steps to prevent it, and joint cooperation projects;

In addition, AHOA and its Partners also supported the major positions/outcomes of the COP29 including:

1. 1.  Just transition: COP29 highlighted the importance of just transition principles, which ensure that no one is left behind while addressing environmental goals;

1. 1.  Baku Call on Climate Action for Peace, Relief, and Recovery: This initiative was launched in collaboration with several countries to address the connection between climate change, conflict, and humanitarian needs;

1. 1.  Baku Initiative on Human Development for Climate Resilience: This initiative aims to enhance cooperation and bridge global efforts to address climate change impacts on human development; including a Joint Statement, Baku Guiding Principles, and a focus on greening education;

1. 1. COP29 Declaration on Multisectoral Actions Pathways (MAP): This declaration includes actions related to jobs, buildings and construction, transport, and urban agriculture;

1. 1. Article 6.8 of the Paris Agreement: Negotiations on Article 6.8 were concluded, which facilitates international cooperation through non-market approaches to implementing national climate plans;

1. 1. Baku Transparency Platform: The COP29 Presidency launched the Baku Transparency Platform to advance transparency and secure funding for Loss and Damage. It’s expected to worked closely with the World Bank to ensure the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund; and support developing countries in preparing and submitting Biennial Transparency Reports;

1. 1. Loss and Damage Fund: The COP29 Presidency worked closely with the World Bank to ensure the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund;

1. 1. Baku Dialogue on Water for Climate Action: This initiative focuses on issues related to water scarcity, water security, water pollution, and water-related hazards and disasters; with focus on the relationship between water and climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and desertification. It calls for stakeholders to take integrated approaches to combat the impacts of climate change on water basins;

1. 1. Climate Finance Action Fund (CFAF): This fund is capitalized with voluntary contributions from fossil fuel producing countries and companies; 

1. 1.  Hydrogen: The COP29 Hydrogen Declaration, aims to unlock the potential of a global market for clean hydrogen.

The AHOA team/delegation also supported/advocated for the following at COP29:

• • Leveraging Africa’s minerals to drive a green economic transformation

• • Enhancing Africa’s carbon capture potential

• • Establishing the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG), a new finance agreement was adopted, to triple finance for developing countries, from $100 billion annually to $300 billion annually by 2035. It was established after two weeks of negotiations and several years of preparatory work. The agreement is intended to help countries protect their people and economies from climate disasters.

• • Accelerating the clean energy transition

• • Taking urgent action to limit greenhouse gas emissions

• • Reinforcing global commitments to limit global warming to 1.5°C by encouraging nations to revise and strengthen their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

• • Scaling up climate finance to support adaptation and mitigation in developing and vulnerable nations.

• • Establishing robust frameworks for loss and damage funding to address irreversible climate impacts.

• • Promoting innovation in renewable energy and sustainable resource management.

• • Urging governments to prioritize citizens’ right to health: Stakeholders are calling on governments to prioritize citizens’ right to health ahead of COP29.

COP29 Outcomes

COP29 brought together over 32,000 delegates from 193 countries, including government leaders, environmental experts, activists, and industry representatives. The summit’s central message was: The time for action is now! Collective and urgent efforts are imperative to secure a sustainable future for all.

COP29 took place from November 11 to 22, 2024 at Baku Stadium. The conference focused on climate finance and brought together nearly 200 countries. Other priorities for COP29 included phasing out fossil fuels and transitioning to renewable energy, building climate-resilient societies, and investing in financial flows towards climate.

Here are some other things that happened at COP29:

• • Adaptation: The Baku Adaptation Road Map was launched to improve implementation of the UAE Framework.

• • Indigenous Peoples and local communities: The Baku Workplan was adopted to elevate their voices of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in climate action.

• • Health: The conference recognized the benefits of reducing greenhouse gas emissions for health. It also highlighted the need to enhance resource mobilization and technical assistance to make health systems more resilient.

• • Finance: COP29 agreed to triple finance to developing countries, from $100 billion annually to $300 billion annually by 2035. 

• • Loss and Damage Fund: COP29 signed agreements that will allow the fund to start financing projects in 2025. 

• • Baku Workplan: COP29 adopted a workplan to elevate the voices of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in the UNFCCC process. This was in line with the position of the Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) and its Partners, as expressed during the various campaign activities and media engagements, with the support of the Baku Initiative Group (BIG)

• • Baku Declaration on Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism: COP29 launched the Baku Declaration on Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism. This declaration was launched as a call to action to explore the inclusion of national tourism administrations in developing Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the Paris Agreement. It promotes sustainable practices in tourism, including reducing emissions and increasing resilience; 

• • Climate finance for Africa: The African Development Bank pushed for an increase in climate finance for Africa. 

• • The Loss and Damage Fund was operationalized, with the appointment of Ibrahima Cheikh Diong as the Fund’s Executive Director. The Fund will provide financial assistance to countries most vulnerable to climate change. 

• • The COP29 Presidency acknowledged the work of individuals and organizations that have been working to reach agreements on Article 6.4 standards. These decisions will help ensure environmental integrity and transparency of carbon markets. 

• • Baku Call on Climate Action for Peace, Relief, and Recovery: Launched in collaboration with several countries to address the connection between climate change, conflict, and humanitarian needs 

• • Baku Initiative on Human Development: Launched to support human development, which is considered central to climate action 

• • Climate Finance Action Fund (CFAF): Established with voluntary contributions from fossil fuel producing countries and companies. Azerbaijan launched a fund to receive annual contributions from fossil fuel producing countries and companies. The fund will target climate projects in developing countries. 

• • Baku Initiative for Climate Finance, Investment and Trade (BICFIT): Established to increase focus on the connection between climate finance, investment, and trade 

• • Online sustainability training program: The COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company launched an online training program to promote sustainable development. The program aims to raise awareness of ecological and social sustainability and promote sustainable practices. 

• • Renewable energy potential: Azerbaijan is committed to developing its renewable energy potential which includes increasing renewable power capacity to 30% by 2030 and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2050

• • Carbon credits: Countries can now establish carbon credits to offset emissions, bring in funding, or trade them on a market exchange.

• • Deferred decisions: Some decisions were deferred to next year’s COP30 in Brazil, including urgent progress on mitigation.

• • Baku COP Presidencies Continuity Coalition for Climate and Health: This coalition will guide global health-climate initiatives toward COP30 and beyond.

About Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) and its Partners

The Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) is a global-level and community-focused Network/Think-tank of civil society organizations (CSOs) and non-state actors (NSA) on Health, Biodiversity, Climate Actions and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Established in 1997 and incorporated in 2003, the Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) has teams/chapters in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and 36 States of Nigeria. With more than 2,800 (Two Thousand, Eight Hundred) organizations from 120 (One Hundred and Twenty) countries as its members, and a Google Group of over 43,000 members globally Health, Climate Change, Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development, AHOA has become a third-sector global player, partner, project/programme developer, implementer, monitor and reporter on the measures needed to achieve and safeguard them.

The Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) is committed to exploring the nexus between Health (UHC, PHC, HIV/AIDS, TB, Malaria, Mpox, Hepatitis, NTDs, Cancers, NCDs, Vaccines, Immunization, Vitamin/Mineral Deficiencies or Hidden Hunger, and COVID-19); Environment, Ecosystems, Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency, Conservation, and Climate Change; Nutrition and Food Security; Gender, Democracy, Good Governance, and Human Rights. It is AHOA’s mandate to promote improved/better standards of living for the disadvantaged, at-risk, discriminated, women and girls, discriminated, children/adolescents, older persons, poor, rural, marginalized and other vulnerable populations including Youth (particularly young women and girls), Indigenous Peoples, Persons with albinism, orphans, widows, LGBTQIA+ individuals, Persons with disabilities, Sex workers, Refugees or Migrants, Women living in rural or underserved areas, and Persons living with HIV/AIDS.

AHOA is in Consultative Status at UN ECOSOC, accredited Observer status at UNEP/UNEA, accredited to the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, and approved by the African Development Bank (AfDB). Its application to the UNFCCC is awaiting approval/admission. AHOA is the lead organization and secretariat of the African Network of Civil Society Organizations (ANCSO) and the Global Consortium of Civil Society and Non-State Actors on Climate Change and Conference of Parties (GCSCCC).

Global Consortium of Civil Society on Climate Change and Conference of Parties (GCSCCC)

The Global Consortium of Civil Society and Non-State Actors on Climate Change and the Conference of Parties (GCSCCC) is envisioned as a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering collaboration and amplifying the voices of civil society organizations (CSOs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), academic institutions, private sector entities, and other non-state actors in the global discourse on climate change. This consortium seeks to facilitate a cohesive platform where diverse stakeholders can engage, exchange knowledge, advocate for sustainable policies, and actively participate in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of Parties (COP) meetings. The GCSCCC was formed by a consensus of participants from several countries, during the ‘Global Consultation of the Civil Society on UNFCC COP29, Azerbaijan’ convened and organized by the Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) – the CSOs Global Network for Health and Sustainable Development, on January/29/2024. AHOA is the GCSCCC’s lead/host organization.

African Network of Civil Society Organizations (ANCSO)

The African Network of Civil Society Organizations (ANCSO) was formed during the first African Civil Society Organizations Roundtable (ACSORT) convened and organized by the Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA). It was established to enhance African Civil Society collaboration in various social, cultural, governance, community, human welfare, and economic programs; to enhance African CSOs’ sustainable and active participation in addressing the developmental challenges facing African CSOs and the African continent and Diaspora. The ANCSO is expected to accomplish its mandate through vast/extensive use of Partnerships and Collaborations; Advocacy, Social and Resource Mobilization; Research and Evidence Generation; Capacity Development and Learning; Outreach and community engagement; and Monitoring, Evaluation, and Accountability/Audit (MEA); in addressing Africa’s current and emerging concerns, challenges and progress. AHOA is ANCSO’s lead/host organization. 

Civil Society Partnerships for Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria (CSP-SDGs) Programme, a.k.a. Destination 2030 SDGs Programme

In rolling out its ‘Destination 2030 Sustainable Development Goals Programme’, the Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) is promoting the mobilization of all stakeholders in the United Nations Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Indigenous people and vulnerable/marginalized populations to support and participate in achieving the respective SDG targets, and ‘Leaver No One Behind’. AHOA’s ‘Destination 2030 SDGs Programme’ is promoting greater and more meaningful involvement and engagement of individuals, communities, Indigenous people, vulnerable/marginalized populations, faith-based groups, traditional institutions, hard-to-reach persons, informal groups, rural and poor urban households, persons living in poverty, and civil society in the global efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda on the SDGs by ‘leaving no one behind’.

Civil Society’s Concerns on the Outcome of COP29 Baku:

1.  The $300bn annually pledged by rich countries to contribute to help poorer nations combat the effects of climate change is grossly insufficient to address the scale of the climate crisis. While $1,300bn or $1.3tln annually is required, this $300bn is inadequate, lacking real money and clear grants for developing countries;

2. Even at that, the majority of the above funding is expected to come from private investment and alternative sources, such as proposed levies on fossil fuels and frequent flyers – which remain under discussion;

3. The Civil Society must be supported to independently monitor the diligent implementation of the agreements arrived at in Baku, as well as compliance with agreed procedures.

Recommendations

1. CSOs/NGOs should be supported to continue to unite in support of the UNFCCC’s COPs and related Climate Change actions

2. Newly wealthy emerging economies like China – currently the world’s largest emitter, should be under obligation to contribute to the Climate Finance fund;

3. There is the need for sustainable approaches to a transition away from fossil fuels, which must ‘Leave No One Behind’ at all levels and in all regions/geographical entities;

4. Every country including the developed countries should not delay meaningful emissions reductions but engage in activities like reforestation, protecting carbon sinks, and transitioning to clean energy, and not mainly the developing nations, where many carbon credits are generated through;

5. COP host Countries and their institutions are reminded to make the COPs more inclusive by encouraging and supporting meaningful participation of civil society organizations (CSOs)/non-governmental non-profit organizations (NGOs) in all planning, implementation, reporting and monitoring activities of the respective COPs; and

6. There is the need for justice, accountability, and inclusive solutions in addressing the climate crisis in order to ‘Leave No One Behind’ at all levels and in all regions/geographical entities;

7. There should be key performance indicators (KPIs) selected and generally/commonly deployed to track the achievement/progress of all the outcome of COP29, to assure that agreed climate actions are being implemented/executed as they should, by everyone concerned.

Conclusions

1. There is the need for justice, accountability, and inclusive solutions in addressing the climate crisis in order to ‘Leave No One Behind’ at all levels, among all populations, and in all regions/geographical entities.

2. The general organization of the COP29 is adjudged as impressive. It is hoped that COP30 Brazil will improve on the Baku experience.

Gratitude

The Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) is grateful to the COP29 Presidency, Azerbaijan NGO Agency, Azerbaijan National NGO Forum, Baku Initiative Group, AFRIHEALTH Azerbaijan Group, GCSCCC, and ANCSO; which contributed to the successes and impact of the civil society team at the COP29, as well as ensured the seamless participation by the AHOA CSO team.