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Nazrin Abdul

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At the high-level opening of the COP29 U.S. Center in Baku, Ambassador Mark Libby expressed his enthusiasm for U.S. participation in the climate summit, commending the exceptional efforts of both the U.S. delegation and their Azerbaijani hosts in preparing for the event, Azernews reports.

Libby highlighted that despite limited time, Azerbaijan had successfully organized the world’s largest annual climate conference, a feat he called “incredibly impressive.”

"We are very, very excited to launch U.S. participation in COP29 after nearly a year of tireless preparation by our delegation, as well as by Azerbaijan," Ambassador Libby said, adding, “I really want to underscore and applaud the tireless efforts of our Azerbaijani hosts for all the work they have done to prepare for COP29.”

Libby also stressed the strong cooperation between the United States and Azerbaijan, noting that their joint efforts to ensure the success of COP29 reflect the potential for future collaboration on issues of mutual concern, particularly climate action. He also underscored the importance of the U.S. delegation’s involvement, which includes Senior Advisor to the President on International Climate Policy, John Podesta, White House Climate Advisor, Ali Zaidi, EPA Acting Deputy Administrator, Jane Nishida, and Principal Deputy Special Envoy for Climate, Sue Biniaz.

"These leaders have already delivered the most ambitious climate actions in U.S. history, and they are here in Baku ready to ensure the success of COP29," Libby noted.

Ambassador Libby acknowledged Azerbaijan’s critical role in addressing climate change, particularly with its abundant solar and wind resources. He emphasized that Azerbaijan has a unique opportunity at COP29 to demonstrate leadership in sustainable development and emission reductions, especially within the hydrocarbon sector.

“The United States is a ready and willing partner in this process,” Libby said, adding that both nations now have the opportunity to leverage their strengths in the pursuit of green energy and decarbonization goals. He pointed out Azerbaijan’s bold commitments to reducing emissions and becoming a regional leader in green energy exports.

The U.S. Embassy in Baku is actively working to strengthen this cooperation through a series of environmental initiatives. One of these initiatives is the SmartAg Oasis project, which aims to empower youth in rural regions outside Baku to create climate-friendly agricultural solutions. Another project, the Garabagh Black Garden, seeks to raise ecological awareness among displaced persons in their new settlements.

Libby also highlighted the collaboration between Azerbaijan and Armenia on water management, with hydrologists and engineers from both countries working together on an integrated water management scheme for trans-boundary rivers. Other cross-border projects include initiatives to clean up plastic waste in the Khachmaz community and train citizen scientists to build environmental awareness.

USAID’s work in climate capacity building in Azerbaijan was also mentioned, including a project with agronomist Zaur Hajiyev in Goychay, who has established a demonstration plot with advanced irrigation systems to optimize water use and increase agricultural productivity.

Libby concluded his remarks by expressing excitement for the next two weeks of COP29, wishing success to the U.S. delegation, Azerbaijan’s COP29 hosts, all participants, and the global community.

“We are eagerly looking forward to a productive and inspiring two weeks of COP29,” he said, emphasizing the importance of continued global cooperation in addressing the climate crisis.