How the COP conference takes place and why it is needed – Latest news from Azerbaijan

The Role of the Conference of the Parties (COP) in Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction to the Global Climate Summit

The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the principal annual global summit on climate change, operating under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Its primary objective is to facilitate international cooperation to stabilize greenhouse gas emissions, a mission that is central to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action). As the main decision-making body for global climate policy, the COP serves as a critical platform for SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), bringing together nearly every nation to negotiate and implement actions against global warming. Notable recent conferences include COP28 in Dubai (2023) and the upcoming COP29 in Baku (2024).

Conference Proceedings and Structure

The COP conference typically spans two weeks, following a structured process designed to achieve consensus among approximately 200 participating countries. The proceedings are organized to translate global climate objectives into actionable policy frameworks that support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Phases of the Conference

1. Opening Session: The host nation inaugurates the conference, where delegates reaffirm their commitment to the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement. The agenda is adopted, setting the stage for negotiations focused on advancing SDG 13.
2. Negotiations and Working Groups: Participants form specialized working groups to address specific issues. These negotiations directly impact a range of SDGs, including discussions on renewable energy financing (SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy), climate adaptation strategies (SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities), deforestation (SDG 15: Life on Land), and financial support for developing nations (SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities).
3. High-Level Segment: During the second week, heads of state and senior ministers convene to announce national policies and financial commitments. These pledges are crucial for mobilizing the resources needed to achieve the entire spectrum of Sustainable Development Goals.
4. Side Events and Pavilions: Concurrently with official negotiations, hundreds of events organized by governments, NGOs, and the private sector showcase technological advancements and green innovations. These forums promote solutions relevant to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
5. Final Agreement: The conference culminates in a consensus-based document, such as the Paris Agreement (COP21) or the Global Stocktake (COP28). This final text outlines collective progress and future actions, requiring unanimous consent and often involving intensive negotiations to ensure all nations are committed to the path forward on SDG 13.

Core Objectives and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

The COP is indispensable for addressing the global challenge of climate change, which requires coordinated international action. The conference’s functions are intrinsically linked to the successful implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Key Functions of the Conference

• Setting Global Targets: The COP establishes global goals for emissions reduction and renewable energy development, providing the overarching framework for achieving SDG 13.
• Reviewing Progress: Through mechanisms like the Global Stocktake and reviews of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the COP holds countries accountable for their climate commitments, ensuring the world remains on track to meet the targets of the Paris Agreement and SDG 13.
• Mobilizing Finance: A central function of the COP is to secure financial pledges from developed countries to support developing nations. Initiatives like the Green Climate Fund, which aims to mobilize $100 billion annually, are vital for achieving SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by building climate resilience.
• Encouraging Innovation: The conference acts as a catalyst for promoting new technologies such as hydrogen energy, carbon capture, and nature-based solutions, directly contributing to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).
• Raising Global Awareness: The COP focuses global attention on the climate crisis, building the political and public will necessary to implement transformative policies that underpin the entire 2030 Agenda.

Key Outcomes and Future Outlook

Landmark Agreements

Recent COP conferences have produced historic agreements. The Paris Agreement (COP21, 2015) remains the cornerstone of global climate action, uniting nations to keep global warming well below 2°C in line with SDG 13. At COP28 in 2023, a landmark decision was made to “transition away from fossil fuels,” a critical step for SDG 7 and SDG 12. The conference also operationalized a Loss and Damage Fund to support vulnerable countries affected by climate-related disasters, a mechanism that directly supports SDG 1, SDG 10, and SDG 11.

Future Directions

The upcoming COP29 in Baku is expected to prioritize climate finance for developing nations, a key component of SDG 17. This focus is decisive for defining the funding mechanisms required for the post-2030 climate agenda. The COP remains the only international platform capable of making legally binding climate decisions. Its role is increasingly vital for turning commitments into action and securing a sustainable and livable planet, which is the foundation for achieving all Sustainable Development Goals for current and future generations.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article on the COP conference directly addresses or connects to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) due to its focus on international cooperation to combat climate change. The primary SDGs identified are:

• SDG 13: Climate Action: This is the most central SDG discussed. The entire article revolves around the COP conference, which is described as the “world’s most important annual gathering on climate change” with the goal to “combat global warming and its impacts.” It explicitly mentions key climate actions like stabilizing greenhouse gas emissions, emission reduction, and adaptation to climate impacts.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The article heavily emphasizes the collaborative nature of the COP conference. It describes it as a platform that “brings together almost every country on Earth to discuss and negotiate actions” and highlights that climate change is a “global problem that cannot be solved by any single country.” This directly relates to the core principle of SDG 17, which is to strengthen global partnerships for sustainable development. The article mentions the involvement of “government officials but also scientists, activists, business leaders, and journalists,” showcasing a multi-stakeholder partnership.
• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy: The article connects climate action with the energy sector. It mentions discussions on “renewable energy financing,” the goal to “transition away from fossil fuels,” and the promotion of “new technologies such as hydrogen energy.” These topics are central to SDG 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s discussion of the COP’s functions and outcomes, several specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. Under SDG 13 (Climate Action):
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters. The article mentions the creation of a “Loss and Damage Fund to support countries affected by extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, and rising sea levels,” which directly addresses this target.
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning. The article refers to “Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)” under the Paris Agreement, which are the specific plans and emission targets that countries integrate into their national policies.
   • Target 13.a: Implement the commitment undertaken by developed-country parties to the UNFCCC to a goal of mobilizing jointly $100 billion annually. The article explicitly mentions this, stating that the “Green Climate Fund, for example, aims to mobilize 100 billion dollars annually for climate projects.”
2. Under SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy):
   • Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. The agreement at COP28 to “transition away from fossil fuels” and the focus on “renewable energy and hydrogen” at COP29 directly support this target.
   • Target 7.a: By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology. The article describes the COP as a forum that “brings together governments, scientists, and the private sector to promote new technologies such as hydrogen energy, carbon capture, and nature-based solutions,” which aligns with this target.
3. Under SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals):
   • Target 17.3: Mobilize additional financial resources for developing countries from multiple sources. The article highlights the mobilization of finance through the “Green Climate Fund” and the “Loss and Damage Fund” as a key purpose of the COP.
   • Target 17.16: Enhance the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships. The entire structure of the COP conference, described as a “global checkpoint for the planet’s future” that brings together “rich and poor nations, producers and consumers, and activists and corporations,” is a direct embodiment of this target.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions or implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress:

• Indicator for Target 13.a: The article provides a clear, quantifiable indicator: the mobilization of “100 billion dollars annually” through mechanisms like the Green Climate Fund. This amount serves as a direct measure of financial commitment from developed to developing nations.
• Indicator for SDG 13 (overall): The article mentions the overarching goal of the Paris Agreement to keep “global warming well below 2°C” and ideally limit it to 1.5°C. The global average temperature increase is a primary indicator for measuring the success of global climate action.
• Indicator for Target 13.2: The “Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)” are mentioned. While NDCs are plans, their implementation and the resulting “emission reduction” levels are key indicators of how well countries are integrating climate action into their national policies.
• Process Indicator for SDG 13: The article mentions the “Global Stocktake, held every five years,” which is a formal process designed to measure whether the world is on track. This process itself relies on a collection of indicators to assess collective progress toward the Paris Agreement goals.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Source: news.az