COP29 Baku: Solidarity for a Green World – The Voice of Côte d’Ivoire

November 2024 will be remembered as a pivotal moment in global climate action. During the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), held in Baku, Azerbaijan, governments, international organisations, and civil society from around the world united under the theme “Solidarity for a Green World.”

The government of Côte d’Ivoire stood out as a model of commitment to sustainable development, environmental protection, and human rights. Under the leadership of the National Coordination for the Country Programme of the International Human Rights Commission – IHRC, Côte d’Ivoire presented a comprehensive strategy rooted in the promotion of peace, effective cooperation, and the protection of human rights.

A key role in the IHRC delegation from Côte d’Ivoire at COP29 was played by the nominated participants: IHRC Commissioner M. Vamara Fofana, Mme Itam Akpama Icha, M. Kouakou Alexis Promo, and M. Kouamé Jean-Baptiste Eclaire Amani. With support from the government and confirmation of their nomination by the UNFCCC Secretariat and the NCP, these representatives actively participated on the international stage. The issuance Letter of Accreditation facilitated their participation, enabling them to engage in critical negotiations on issues such as adaptation finance, transparency mechanisms, and climate justice.

During the conference, the Côte d’Ivoire delegation collaborated with representatives from 46 Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to highlight the urgent needs of nations most affected by climate change. Joint efforts resulted in key achievements, including the establishment of a Loss and Damage Fund to support vulnerable countries. Additionally, developed nations committed to doubling adaptation finance to address the growing financial gap, currently estimated at $200–350 billion annually. New transparency frameworks were also agreed upon to monitor progress in meeting climate commitments.

In one of the side events organised by the African Union, ECOWAS, UNOWAS and the African Development Bank (AfDB), Mme Itam Akpama Icha presented key strategies to address climate adaptation. She discussed the importance of agricultural adaptation, water management, and coastal protection as essential pillars for combating the impacts of climate change across the African continent. Mme Itam Akpama Icha highlighted initiatives such as farmer training, access to climate information services, efficient water systems like rainwater harvesting, and the restoration of mangroves as vital solutions to building resilience in vulnerable regions.

With the support of the National Coordination for the IHRC, the government of Côte d’Ivoire presented a robust approach to reducing emissions and adapting to climate change. Investments in renewable energy, forest conservation, and local community support demonstrated that even developing countries can implement ambitious and sustainable climate solutions. In his address, the Minister of Environment stated:
“Climate change demands global responsibility, but every country must act at home. Côte d’Ivoire shows that regional solidarity and local innovation can become key elements of global solutions.”

The IHRC played a critical role in supporting the preparation of Côte d’Ivoire’s delegation. By providing expert assistance in developing national reports and adaptation plans, the IHRC ensured that the delegation was well-prepared to actively participate in negotiations, emphasising the importance of climate justice and the need for developed nations to honour their financial commitments.

COP29 in Baku proved to be a landmark event for global climate action. The delegation from Côte d’Ivoire, in collaboration with the IHRC and regional partners, demonstrated that ambitious goals can be achieved through international cooperation and local engagement. The solidarity that defined this year’s conference must become the foundation for future efforts in addressing the global climate crisis.