Mnangagwa expected in Azerbaijan for climate indaba

President Emmerson Mnangagwa arrived in Azerbaijan today to attend the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP29, where climate finance will be a central focus. The President's departure from Harare was witnessed by Vice President Dr. Constantino Chiwenga, Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, Chief Secretary Dr. Martin Rushwaya, and other senior government officials.

At COP29, which runs from November 12 to 22, global leaders will convene to discuss urgent climate action. The conference comes at a pivotal moment, following the latest UN climate report that underscores the need for accelerated action to mitigate the catastrophic effects of climate change.

As a country facing climate-induced challenges such as droughts, floods, and heatwaves, Zimbabwe will be particularly focused on securing financial support for climate mitigation and adaptation. President Mnangagwa, also the Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), will play a key role in advocating for the needs of developing countries during the summit.

In his address at the World Leaders Climate Action Summit (WLCAS) hosted by Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev, President Mnangagwa will highlight the pressing need for developed nations to finance climate action in developing countries like Zimbabwe. This summit, set for November 12 and 13, aims to drive commitments on emission reductions, climate adaptation, and addressing climate-related loss and damage.

A Call for Climate Finance

The issue of climate finance will take center stage at COP29, with a focus on how developed nations, as major contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions, must provide financial support to nations already suffering from the devastating impacts of climate change. Zimbabwe, for instance, has developed a national adaptation plan requiring $100 billion by 2030 to build climate resilience and meet its goal of becoming an upper-middle-income economy.

Mr. Washington Zhakata, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, emphasized that financing is crucial for achieving climate resilience. "All actions to mitigate climate change, from capacity building to transitioning to renewable energy, require funding," he said. "For Zimbabwe to be climate-resilient by 2030, we need $100 billion, and COP29 will be central to these discussions."

The SADC Chairperson is expected to use this platform to highlight the severe climate impacts faced by the region, urging the international community to commit to providing accessible and dependable resources to support Africa's climate adaptation needs.

A Global South Alliance for Climate Action

COP29 presents a unique opportunity for Zimbabwe to align with other countries in the Global South, calling for a unified and stronger collective action to address climate change. Archieford Chemhere, a climate change expert attending the conference, pointed out the potential for Zimbabwe to access the necessary financing for climate adaptation and resilience-building.

"COP29 presents a strategic moment for Zimbabwe to position itself to secure climate finance that can fund urgent initiatives," said Chemhere. "It's also a chance to join forces with other developing nations to push for a new, more ambitious global climate goal that considers the needs of the Global South."

President Mnangagwa's participation in COP29 underscores Zimbabwe's commitment to addressing the climate crisis and securing the necessary financial support to mitigate its effects. As the world focuses on the challenges posed by climate change, the outcome of COP29 could shape the future of climate action, particularly for countries like Zimbabwe that are bearing the brunt of environmental degradation.