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Akbar Novruz

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As the global climate summit, COP29 continues to bring together leaders and organizations from around the world, one voice is particularly focused on highlighting the environmental and climate-related struggles faced by colonized regions and small island nations.

Mr. Abbas Abbasov, the Executive Director of the Baku Initiative Group (BIG), is in attendance this year with a clear message: the international community must do more to address the long-lasting impacts of colonial exploitation on the environment.

In an exclusive interview with Azernews, Abbasov shared the work that BIG is doing at COP29 to raise awareness about the environmental consequences of colonialism.

"Today, we held a conference dedicated to the environmental impacts of colonial exploitation, particularly by France and other European colonial powers. We believe these issues have been largely overlooked in global climate discussions," he explained. "Our organization is committed to shedding light on how colonial legacies continue to affect the political, economic, and environmental landscapes of these regions."

The Baku Initiative Group's focus this year at COP29 is not only to raise awareness about these ongoing challenges but also to present concrete solutions. Abbasov emphasized that two additional side events are planned during the summit to focus on the climate crises facing African nations and other colonized regions. The group aims to give a platform to those who are most affected by climate change yet have historically been excluded from global decision-making processes.

One of the most pressing issues at COP29 is climate finance, which has been a major point of contention. Small island nations, in particular, have been calling for increased financial support to help them combat the devastating effects of rising sea levels and extreme weather events. Abbasov echoed these concerns, stressing that climate finance must be distributed equitably, with a focus on the regions most in need.

"We, as an international NGO, have repeatedly called for intergovernmental organizations to take stronger actions to address the specific needs of small island nations and colonized regions," he said. "We hope that through increased global solidarity, there will be meaningful progress in securing the financial resources these regions urgently need."

Abbasov remained optimistic that the momentum generated at COP29 could lead to a significant shift in how climate finance is allocated. "With the participation of global leaders and organizations, we are hopeful that the call for a greener and more equitable world will not go unheard," he said.

The work of the Baku Initiative Group at COP29 underscores the importance of addressing historical injustices in the fight against climate change. Abbasov’s message is clear: true climate justice requires acknowledging and addressing the enduring impacts of colonialism and supporting those regions that have been most affected by it.