Aliya Wedelich
The geographical and cultural proximity of Azerbaijan, the COP29 host country, provided a unique opportunity for active participation by countries from the Eastern Europe, Caucasus, and Central Asia (EECCA) region. This proximity enabled many states in the region to advance their national interests and secure numerous agreements, primarily in bilateral or regional formats. However, limited negotiating experience and insufficient technical resources prevented most countries from fully engaging in the broader negotiation process.
COP29 served as an accessible platform for EECCA countries, which are predominantly developing nations with limited financial and institutional capacities. Representatives from CAN EECCA member organizations observed significant differences in the approaches of national delegations: some demonstrated notable activity, occasionally misaligned with the conference’s objectives, while others remained passive, failing to showcase their potential or define their role in the global climate agenda.
As a result, despite presenting initiatives and strengthening regional cooperation, EECCA countries struggled to position themselves as significant players in global climate negotiations. This limited their ability to advocate effectively for their populations, who are already facing severe climate challenges. The situation underscores the need for EECCA countries to reassess their strategies and increase their visibility in global climate discussions, particularly when updating their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
The process of updating NDCs must include meaningful public engagement. Only collaborative efforts by governments, civil society, and international partners can ensure sustainable and consistent integration of the region into the global climate agenda and facilitate a just energy transition.
Voices from the Region
Anna Bohushenko, Climate Advocacy Coordinator, CAN EECCA:
“COP29, despite high expectations, was a challenging process, and the final outcomes fell short. Global geopolitical challenges and insufficient progress on climate finance highlighted growing disparities among nations, especially amidst increasing inequality. The continued influence of fossil fuel interests undermined efforts to reduce emissions and transition toward a just transformation.
Countries in the region primarily focused on pavilion activities, presenting national discussions and strategies. However, they missed the opportunity to assert themselves in the core negotiation process. The road to COP30 in Belém will require a new strategy and decisive action to bring regional ambitions back to the center of global climate discussions.”
Alexey Kokorin, CAN EECCA Delegate to the Policy Coordination Group:
“Reflecting on COP29, it is fair to say it achieved its minimum goals. A financial target was set, and practical work on market mechanisms will move forward. The summit played its traditional role as a catalyst for agreements among countries, companies, and organizations.
However, the ‘bridges’ to COP30 remain weak, particularly regarding the just transition and enhanced NDCs, as most efforts were likely focused on finance. Nonetheless, participants agreed that even modest outcomes from COP29 will steadily and inevitably drive renewable energy and green technologies forward.” Read the full analysis in Issue #9 of Pro Climate.
Javid Gara, Ecofront, Azerbaijan:
“COP29 was disappointing from a climate finance perspective. The commitments made were too vague, too late, and too limited.
It is challenging to assess COP29 from Azerbaijan’s perspective after such a global letdown. However, one certain outcome is that it will lead to increased investments in renewable energy projects in Azerbaijan. To some extent, it will also raise environmental awareness and sensitivity among both the public and the government.
Shortly after COP29, a criminal investigation was launched into a company involved in the largest deforestation projects in recent years. While the investigation is still ongoing, making definitive conclusions premature, it is undoubtedly a result of the campaign our NGO initiated just days before COP29. The very fact that this company is now under investigation indicates that the government is beginning to take environmental issues more seriously. COP29 has undeniably contributed to this shift in perspective.”
Nargis Kosimova, ekolog.uz, Uzbekistan:
“It seemed that COP29 provided a favorable platform for Uzbekistan’s participation. During the conference, the country introduced several initiatives that demonstrate both the leadership’s understanding of climate challenges and its ambitions for leadership in climate action. Implementing even a portion of these proposed initiatives would make a significant contribution to the sustainable development of the entire region.
For instance, Uzbekistan proposed establishing an international center for assessing climate-related losses and damages, as well as developing UN-backed declarations on commitments to ensure the health and environmental safety of river ecosystems. Additionally, the country proposed the creation of two institutions on its territory: a regional genetic resources bank to enhance plant resilience to climate change and an innovative UN agro-industrial hub for landlocked countries. Uzbekistan also suggested establishing a global capitals alliance to facilitate the transfer of advanced knowledge and practices for climate-resilient urban development, with the first forum to be held in Tashkent.”
Yuri Skochilov, Youth Environmental Center, Tajikistan:
“For Tajikistan, COP29 was an important milestone for strengthening international cooperation on glacier preservation. Following Tajikistan’s initiative, the UN designated 2025 as the International Year of Glacier Preservation. In May 2025, Tajikistan will host a high-level conference on this issue, bringing together global leaders and experts to address a problem directly affecting our country and region.
At COP29, Central Asian countries showed unity in promoting green technologies, improving transparency in climate actions, and strengthening regional coordination. I also noticed greater openness from governments toward civil society engagement. COP29 may have marked the beginning of a new chapter in regional climate collaboration.”
Timur Idrisov, Little Earth, Tajikistan:
“As a country particularly vulnerable to climate change, Tajikistan emphasizes the need for more ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets from major emitters, as well as increased technical and financial assistance that meets the needs of vulnerable nations. It was entirely expected that our country would use COP29 as a platform to seek partnerships and attract new investments for adaptation.
Specifically, the republic aims to benefit from the Asian Development Bank’s new “Glaciers to Farms” program, which plans to mobilize up to $3.5 billion to support sustainable water management, food security, and the protection of vulnerable populations. Other potential opportunities for the country include the Multilateral Target Fund under the UN Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) and the Accelerated Partnership for Renewable Energy in Central Asia (APRECA), both of which were announced at COP29.”
Anonymous, Belarus:
“For the second consecutive year, Belarus’s delegation to the climate COP included the head of state. In some ways, this was made possible by the event being hosted in so-called “friendly” countries. However, sanctions and frozen EU cooperation have halted climate-related funding, while most civil society organizations, including those working on climate, have been dissolved.
Belarus lacks a national adaptation plan and plays a passive role in international climate negotiations. Despite growing climate impacts, the country lacks the resources and expertise needed to address these challenges effectively.”
Vladimir Slivyak, Ecodefense!, Russia:
“COP29 did not bring any breakthrough decisions, and there is no basis to speak of significant progress. However, there is a strong reason to warn that UN climate negotiations should no longer take place in oil dictatorships, as there is no chance for success. Climate change is not just here; its pace is accelerating year by year, with increasingly intense wildfires, floods, hurricanes, droughts, and more.
The UN negotiations must not become a platform for dictators. They certainly should not be held to the backdrop of oil and gas deals and arrests of those fighting for human rights and climate action. The situation has become so intolerable that several well-known experts and former officials, including former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and former climate chief Christiana Figueres, signed a letter calling for reforming the rules for selecting host countries for the negotiations.” Read the full opinion in The Moscow Times.
