The 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) is being held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22, 2024.

This global event brings together world leaders, scientists, international organizations and representatives of civil society to address the most urgent challenges related to climate change and promote concrete solutions for a sustainable future for the planet.

The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the main international forum for discussion and decision-making on climate change. Organized by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), COP29 seeks to align global commitments with the Paris Agreement, prioritizing actions to limit global warming to 1.5°C.

In Baku, COP29 is addressing structuring issues for combating climate change such as: (1) Climate Finance, with a focus on establishing new financial targets to support developing countries in adapting to and mitigating climate impacts, (2) Emissions Reduction, to discuss urgent measures to reverse the continued rise in greenhouse gas emissions, (3) Energy Transition, looking in depth at accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources and limiting the use of fossil fuels, (4) Resilient Infrastructure; Strategies to build cities and infrastructure that are more resilient to climate change, and (5) Climate Justice, Ensuring that climate action is equitable, taking into account the needs and vulnerabilities of developing countries.

In this context, the City of Quelimane is represented at the highest level by its Mayor, Manuel Araújo, who has been invited as a speaker at several prominent round tables, whose themes are pertinent: (1) Unlocking the Potential of Sustainable Urban Transport for More Climate Action; organized by the World Bank in partnership with UN-Habitat and UITP, the panel will explore how sustainable urban transport systems can reduce emissions and contribute to significant climate action; (2) Resilient Cities, Scaling Adaptation Actions through Transport and Urban Infrastructure, organized by the World Bank.

This panel aims to discuss how investing in resilient and sustainable urban infrastructure can be essential to meet the challenges of climate change; (3) "Climate Change and Health: Designing Policies for Africa's Urban Future" to discuss how climate policies can improve health outcomes in African cities; (4) Champions of Change: Mobilizing Global Leadership for Multi-Level Action Subnational Leaders Meeting: - This meeting will be a unique opportunity to strengthen partnerships, foster innovations and align commitments between subnational leaders and other global actors.

The closed-door meeting will bring together Governors, Mayors and Ministers, as well as experts in climate and urban diplomacy, to establish connections and discuss advancing climate action through greater collaboration between all levels of government. Another objective is to mobilize global leadership to support coordinated and integrated actions at all levels of governance, thus promoting effective and sustainable climate solutions.

Quelimane is a coastal city that, like other cities, particularly in developing countries, faces challenges such as flooding, coastal erosion and storms intensified by climate change. In response, the city has been scrambling to find partners and has invested in implementing innovative policies and measures to protect its communities by mitigating impacts and promoting sustainable development.

"Quelimane's participation in COP29 once again marks a significant moment for the city, perhaps Mozambique, because here we will continue to highlight our commitment to promoting concrete actions in favor of sustainability.

Furthermore, this participation presents yet another opportunity to share local experiences and initiatives in urban sustainability and climate resilience, because we want to place our city as a leading example in mitigating climate impacts in the country, why not in the region?" said Manuel de Araújo.

The Quelimane delegation, led by Edil and including James Njiji, Public Relations, Communication and Cooperation Technician, arrived in Baku to reinforce their commitment to being an active part of the global debate on climate change and short, medium and long-term solutions. (Information Note)