In a decisive move to address the growing intersection of climate change, conflict, and humanitarian crises, the COP29 Presidency unveiled the Baku Call on Climate Action for Peace, Relief, and Recovery on Friday.
The initiative, endorsed by a coalition of nations from both the Global North and South, marks a significant step toward peace-sensitive climate action.
A Call for Unified Action
Launched by Azerbaijani Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov, during COP29’s inaugural Peace, Relief, and Recovery Day, the initiative establishes the Baku Climate and Peace Action Hub. Based in Baku, this platform will coordinate international efforts to address the dual challenges of climate vulnerability and conflict.
“The Baku Call is not just about identifying problems but delivering actionable solutions,” Minister Bayramov said. “This is a unique moment to bridge divides and unite diverse global efforts under one cohesive vision for peace and sustainability.”
The Hub will align efforts with existing initiatives like the COP27 Climate Responses for Sustaining Peace Initiative and the COP28 Declaration on Climate, Relief, Recovery, and Peace. It will also integrate Germany’s Climate for Peace Initiative and Italy’s Mattei Plan for Africa.
Prioritizing Vulnerable Communities
The Baku Call outlines strategies to tackle critical challenges such as water scarcity, food insecurity, and land degradation—issues disproportionately affecting developing nations already grappling with conflict and humanitarian crises.
“Peace-sensitive climate action is essential,” COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev emphasized. “This initiative prioritizes support for the most vulnerable groups, including women, children, and youth, who face the compounded impacts of climate change and instability.”
The collaborative effort reflects six months of consultations with governments, UN agencies, development banks, civil society, and private-sector partners.
A Global Partnership
The initiative is supported by Egypt, Italy, Germany, Uganda, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom. Leaders from these nations lauded the effort as a model of international cooperation.
Francesco Corvaro, special envoy for climate change from Italy, praised the initiative: “COP29 exemplifies the global unity needed to address climate and peace challenges. By aligning diverse initiatives under a cohesive framework, this Call paves the way for transformative action.”
Ahmed Abdel-Latif, director-general of the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, added, “The Baku Call advances a shared vision for peace-sensitive climate action, strengthening global momentum for progress.”
Beyond Words: Turning Pledges into Action
The Baku Call builds on the climate-peace nexus highlighted in previous COPs while introducing new mechanisms to ensure its operational success. Among its key objectives are sustainable water management, climate-resilient agriculture, and ecosystem restoration.
Amy E. Pope, director-general of the International Organization for Migration, underscored the stakes: “With climate-induced displacement surpassing conflict-driven refugees, this initiative signals hope for addressing these interconnected crises.”
Looking Ahead
As COP29 continues, the Baku Call sets the tone for bold, inclusive action. By hosting the Hub in Baku, Azerbaijan positions itself as a leader in integrating climate and peace agendas.
“The time for action is now,” Minister Bayramov urged. “Let this Call turn promises into tangible outcomes, ensuring a future where the nexus of climate and peace represents opportunity, not crisis.”
The Baku Call on Climate Action for Peace, Relief, and Recovery may serve as a defining moment for COP29, fostering international collaboration to address one of the most pressing global challenges of our time.
