The challenge of climate change is not just a crisis of science or policy—it is a profound test of humanity’s moral compass and collective will. It asks us to reimagine our place within the intricate web of life, to reconcile progress with preservation, and take responsibility for the legacy we leave behind. At its heart, addressing climate change is an act of stewardship, a recognition that the earth is not ours to exploit but to nurture and safeguard for generations yet unborn.
As a development practitioner, I have been deeply engaged with the evolution of disaster risk reduction, humanitarian response, and climate change, addressing them directly and indirectly. On a personal level, I committed long ago to reducing my environmental footprint, starting with the simple yet impactful choice of eliminating plastic use in my home.
Recently, an opportunity from Start Network came at just the right time for me to attend a gathering where voices matter and people from across the globe come together to listen and share experiences. Our destination? Baku, for the highly anticipated COP29.
Upon landing at Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) in Baku, I met my fellow traveller Lucy Puentes, Director of Fundraising and Networks at Start Network, who had just arrived on another flight. Before I knew it, she spotted me, and we exchanged greetings and head straight for the venue.
The first thing I noticed was the gentle breeze on our way to the City Park Hotel, located near the old city. Baku is also known as the City of Winds. The city’s modern skyline, punctuated by iconic structures like the Flame Towers, stood in contrast to its UNESCO-listed Old City.
This fusion of tradition and modernity was mirrored in the conference dialogues, where age-old indigenous practices were placed alongside cutting-edge technological solutions. The enormous Baku Stadium served as the venue for COP 29. We arrived early, filled with excitement, and after registration, we received our badges for entry.
Crucial discussions for climate, development, and humanitarian actors
The pivotal moment occurred at the UN OCHA-sponsored Humanitarian Pavilion, where I had the honour of speaking in a session led by Start Network. I was joined by esteemed colleagues Mr. Hari Krishna Nibanpudi, Global Advisor on Climate Change and Aging from HelpAge International, and Mr. Mattias Soderberg, Global Climate Lead at DanChurchAid.
Our discussion revolved around the important theme “From Mitigation to Recovery – The Unique and Interconnected Role of Climate, Development, and Humanitarian Actors in the Crisis Continuum.” This subject is increasingly vital as we navigate the complexities of climate change, which intensifies humanitarian crises and underscores the critical need for coordinated recovery and mitigation efforts, particularly as these challenges are often prolonged.
As the discussion unfolded, the audience swelled, with the pavilion achieving full capacity by the end of our time together.
I would like to extend my gratitude to the panellists for their thought-provoking contributions, as well as to Lucy Puentes from Start Network for skilfully facilitating the conversation.
The following day I visited most of the pavilions meeting people and attending sessions based on the recommendations from colleagues and friends. The Humanitarian Hub pavilion of UN OCHA also hosted several other interesting talks and one of them was led by Action Aid International on Gender and Climate Change. Another interesting session was on nature-based solutions at the ICAD Pavillion. A panel discussion on the role of Data in Climate Change, hosted by CDRI pavilion also gained my attention. Another engaging session focused on tools and technologies in climate science, offering valuable insights into innovative solutions.
A significant portion of the discussions revolved around addressing Loss and Damage, a critical issue for countries disproportionately affected by climate impacts despite minimal historical contributions to greenhouse gas emissions. The emphasis on operationalising the Santiago Network was particularly timely, as it seeks to connect vulnerable nations with technical assistance, capacity building, and finance.
Meanwhile, in the Blue Zone, the parties were engaged in hectic negotiations to iron out the issues of overall financial support to the development for meeting their climate change goals. Unfortunately, this has become one of the disappointing features as most of the rich nations have almost failed to come up with robust commitments for climate change mitigation.
A platform for diverse voices
One of the most inspiring aspects of COP 29 was its inclusivity. Youth leaders, indigenous representatives, and gender advocates brought fresh perspectives to the table, challenging traditional decision-making paradigms. Their calls for climate justice, gender equity, and meaningful participation were not merely aspirational but deeply practical, highlighting the gaps in current systems and offering actionable recommendations. This inclusivity was also evident in the regional collaboration showcased by Azerbaijan. As a bridge between Europe and Asia, the country highlighted the potential of cross-border partnerships in addressing transboundary challenges such as water management and migratory biodiversity.
Some anecdotes
One of the most beautiful aspects of the summit was the professionalism demonstrated by local volunteers. They were always ready to help, standing and smiling in every nook and corner of the city. At the event venue, food prices were quite high; however, at the delegate pavilions, many hosts offered free coffee, cakes, pastries, and local handmade chocolates.
The old city is a fascinating sight, well-preserved in its original style. During the final hours of my visit, I had the opportunity to explore the old city. It felt as if you could see history come alive, imagining the caravan of traders who once traveled along the Silk Road, connecting India and China. According to reports, more than 20,000 people visited Baku over the span of three weeks.
Key takeaways and recommendations
- Localisation of Climate Solutions: I felt that suggestions made at the top of the table are still to be percolated at the ground level. There is a strong need to infuse the voices from the community to have well-rounded decision-making. Climate change has an impact on everyone.
- Focus on Loss and Damage: The Santiago Network and its operationalisation were significant highlights. The discussions reaffirmed the need to prioritise vulnerable communities in climate funding, ensuring that they receive the resources needed to recover from and adapt to climate impacts.
- Youth and Inclusion: The energy brought by young climate advocates at COP 29 was inspiring. Their demands for equity, justice, and meaningful participation resonated throughout the sessions, reminding stakeholders of the importance of intergenerational collaboration.
- Participation and more participation: There is a need for humanitarian voices to be heard at the global level. After all humanitarian volunteers are the first ones to reach out to the community in need and they are voices who provide first-hand situation reports. Expanding engagement around humanitarian and resilience pavilion would be beneficial. However, it will also depend upon the approvals from the organisers and resource availability for large participation.
Moving forward
The lessons from COP 29 have reinforced my resolve to contribute meaningfully to both global policy discussions and localised implementation efforts. Whether through supporting the operationalisation of frameworks like the Santiago Network or fostering community-led resilience initiatives, I am committed to driving impactful, context-specific solutions.
Attending COP 29 in Baku was a reminder of this moral imperative, set against the backdrop of a world wrestling with disparities in resources, responsibility, and resilience. In the bustling conference halls and quiet conversations, I found echoes of humanity’s deeper questions: How do we balance the needs of the present with the rights of the future? How can justice be served in a world where those least responsible for climate change bear its heaviest burdens?
Rajeev Jha
Director Programme, DRR and CCA
Humanitarian Aid International, New Delhi