Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region, arrived in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, on Monday to participate in the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) following a formal invitation from Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. The summit, running from November 11 to 22, convenes leaders from around the world to address global climate issues, including the push toward clean energy alternatives, reducing harmful emissions, and enhancing community awareness of climate-related challenges.

COP29 will address national climate action plans, emphasizing sustainable development and the transition away from fossil fuels. President Barzani is expected to reaffirm Kurdistan’s commitment to creating a greener, cleaner region, with a particular focus on water conservation and environmental sustainability. The conference agenda includes discussions on implementing national climate strategies and addressing recent climate-related disasters.

According to sources from the Kurdistan presidency’s media department, the conference’s official opening ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, November 12. The event will provide a platform for discussing the pressing environmental issues posed by climate change, as well as the challenges and consequences faced by vulnerable regions like Kurdistan.

Environmental reports underscore the severity of Iraq’s water shortage, exacerbated by fluctuating weather patterns, rising temperatures, and resource mismanagement. The UN’s World Meteorological Organization (WMO) will release its annual report on the global climate, providing critical data on climate variability and trends. This report is expected to guide discussions on effective climate action and sustainable development throughout COP29.

As climate concerns mount globally, President Barzani’s participation at COP29 reinforces the Kurdistan Region's commitment to addressing climate change challenges and ensuring a sustainable future for its communities.