Global MPs commit to support governments in stronger climate action at COP29
In a year marked by record heatwaves, devastating floods and intense storms, fuelled by global heating, parliamentarians from around the world gathered on 16 and 17 November 2024 for the Parliamentary Meeting at COP29, the UN Climate Change Conference, in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Organized by the IPU and the Milli Majlis, the Parliament of Azerbaijan, the Meeting brought together over 300 MPs and experts from some 60 countries to hear the latest data and science, and to exchange ideas on parliamentary action to address the climate emergency.
In their final outcome document, the parliamentarians agreed to encourage governments to invest more in “accelerating the transition to clean, in particular renewable, energy” as well as “efforts to transition towards clean energy systems through gradual transition from fossil fuels and inefficient fossil fuel subsidies in a just, orderly and equitable manner.”
They called on parliaments worldwide to support their governments in reducing non-CO2 emissions, especially methane, and to include specific targets in that regard in their national climate commitments, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
With climate finance high on the agenda at COP29, MPs underlined the importance of developed countries fulfilling their financial commitments to enhance climate financing for developing nations and to urgently transfer loss and damage funding to vulnerable countries.
The document also encourages parliaments to harness the potential of artificial intelligence, while minimizing its risks, to address climate change.
New tools for parliamentarians
At the meeting, the IPU launched a new guide, 10 actions for stronger national climate commitments, and a new toolkit, Parliamentary oversight of national climate commitments, to encourage parliamentarians to enhance their oversight of NDCs.
The tools are essential for ensuring that countries meet their obligations under the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
With the 2025 deadline for NDC submission fast approaching, the tools highlight a critical window of opportunity for parliaments to shape their countries’ climate futures.
Quotes
Speaker of the Parliament of Azerbaijan, Sahiba Gafarova, said: “Climate change is humanity’s biggest challenge that goes beyond any national borders and demands collective efforts. It gives me an immense pride and joy to see so many parliamentarians from around the world joining us here today. It shows our unity for a common cause, with strong involvement in the process. Our parliamentary cooperation in sharing our knowledge, expertise and best practices gains a special significance and benefits us all.”
UN Climate Change Executive Secretary, Simon Stiell, addressing the meeting, said: “The New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance will be a key enabling force for countries around the world – especially those that struggle the most with climate finance. And having parliamentary support behind negotiators can be a powerful force for progress and ambition. What’s more, they will enable action back home, in every country, as governments craft new NDCs. It is no accident that parliaments around the world have the power of the budget. Without resources, the voice of the people cannot manifest itself.”
IPU President, Tulia Ackson, said: “Parliamentarians play a crucial role in addressing the pressing climate challenges of our time. The responsibility on their shoulders is immense, and the decisions they make resonate beyond these walls and our institutions, shaping our shared future.”
IPU Secretary General, Martin Chungong, said: “Throughout our meeting we have heard how parliamentarians must not only advocate for ambitious climate commitments but also ensure that they translate into measurable, impactful results. We cannot afford for these commitments to remain on paper. Parliaments’ role is to drive accountability, ensuring that governments take decisive steps towards their climate goals.”
BGIPU Delegation
BGIPU’s delegation to the parliamentary meetings at COP29 was led by the Rt Hon Liam Byrne MP alongside Chris Law MP and Baroness Sheehan. The delegation met counterparts from a wide range of countries and well as civil society participants and spoke at a variety of events. They engaged closely with counterparts from the Azerbaijan Parliament including COP29 Rapporteur, Mr Mammadov, and UK perspectives were duly acknowledged and reflected in the final outcome document.
BGIPU Delegation meets members of the UK Youth Climate Coalition at COP29 in Baku
The BGIPU delegation meets counterparts from the Republic of Korea at COP29 in Baku
Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change addresses global MPs.
IPU President, Tulia Ackson speaks at the IPU's Parliamentary meeting at COP29 in Baku
