Uganda Prepares for COP29 in Azerbaijan as World Focuses on Climate Action

COP29 will build on last year’s discussions in Dubai, which underscored the importance of adapting to climate extremes and reducing carbon footprints.

As the world gears up for COP29 in Azerbaijan, Uganda is preparing to join the global community in addressing the urgent challenges of climate change.

This year’s summit, centered on the theme “Accelerating Climate Resilience and Sustainable Development,” will bring together world leaders, environmentalists, and policymakers to discuss strategies for combating climate change, reducing carbon emissions, and adapting to its increasingly severe impacts.

Uganda’s delegation, led by the Minister for Water and Environment, will represent the nation’s voice and its climate priorities.

The Conference of the Parties (COP), held annually under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), has become a critical platform for countries to negotiate and adopt climate measures.

COP29 will build on last year’s discussions in Dubai, which underscored the importance of adapting to climate extremes and reducing carbon footprints.

COP28 tackled issues like loss and damage financing, renewable energy transitions, and reducing fossil fuel reliance, though challenges remained in reaching firm agreements on emissions targets and climate financing.

Uganda and other developing nations emphasized the need for developed countries to uphold financial commitments, which are crucial to support adaptation in regions most affected by climate change.

Uganda’s delegation at COP29 will focus on issues long impacting the country, such as erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, and rising temperatures that threaten agriculture and biodiversity.

Uganda is advocating for international support to strengthen its adaptation efforts. According to the Ministry of Water and Environment, substantial funding is required to implement Uganda's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which detail commitments to emission reduction and climate resilience.

This year’s COP will spotlight adaptation strategies, examining how countries can strengthen resilience against climate shocks and invest in sustainable infrastructure.

Discussions will also focus on accelerating financial commitments to help nations like Uganda achieve their climate targets.

With extreme weather events becoming more frequent worldwide, many countries are calling for a more ambitious approach to adaptation financing, arguing that current levels are insufficient to address the intensifying impacts of climate change.

Improving transparency and accountability in climate financing, a recurring theme at past COP meetings, will also be on the agenda.

Uganda and other vulnerable nations have raised concerns about delays in funding from wealthier countries, which have pledged billions of dollars to support developing nations.

Uganda aims to build alliances with other African and developing countries to push for stronger commitments from industrialized nations, urging them to honor their financial obligations.

The Ugandan Minister for Water and Environment, who will lead the delegation, stated, “Our communities are feeling the immediate effects of climate change, from erratic weather to water scarcity. COP29 is a critical moment for Uganda to highlight these challenges and call for equitable support.”

Uganda hopes to advance its climate resilience goals and advocate for accountability in climate financing.

COP29 will also provide a forum for countries to share best practices and innovative solutions for adaptation.

Uganda, which has made strides in renewable energy and reforestation, hopes to showcase its successes and learn from others.

With forests, wetlands, and other ecosystems playing a critical role in climate mitigation, Uganda will also emphasize the importance of conserving these resources.

As Uganda heads to COP29, the country’s participation underscores its commitment to combating climate change on a national and global scale.

With a focus on resilience, sustainable development, and climate financing, Uganda joins other nations in Azerbaijan to confront the climate crisis and build a sustainable future for all.