COP29 President-designate Engagements in Colombia for the 16th Conference of Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity
The COP29 President Designate’s recent trip to Colombia for the COP16 Convention on Biological Diversity marked another critical moment in the weeks leading up to COP29 Azerbaijan. Engaging in high-level bilateral meetings with international policymakers and environmental experts, the President-Designate took part in critical discussions highlighting the urgency of global collaboration to address the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
Bilateral Meetings & Events
During his time in Colombia, the COP29 President-Designate held a variety of bilateral meetings with policymakers from around the world. In a conversation centered on strengthening National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) for effective biodiversity protection, he met with Mr. Nik Masimi bin Nik Ahmad, Malaysia’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability. The President-Designate also held discussions with Ms. Astrid Schomaker, the Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, focusing on the critical need for global alignment to ensure a cohesive commitment to a sustainable future.
In his meeting with Mr. Bahodur Sheralizaod, Chairman of the Committee for Environmental Protection in Tajikistan, the President-Designate explored collaborative strategies for enhancing climate resilience and environmental protection between Tajikistan and the international community, further solidifying international partnerships ahead of COP29. Similarly, in a discussion with Ms. Aliona Rusnac, State Secretary of Moldova’s Ministry of Environment, he addressed ways to strengthen regional efforts for climate adaptation.
In a broader effort to strengthen ties across Central Asia and align global climate initiatives, the President-Designate met with Ms. Dinara Amanturovna, Special Representative on Environmental Issues for the Republic of Kyrgyzstan, to discuss sustainable development initiatives that address the unique environmental challenges faced by the region.
Additional bilateral meetings included a discussion with Dr. Mohammad Ali Qurban, CEO of the National Center for Wildlife and Flavien Joubert, Minister for Agriculture, Climate Change, and Energy for the Republic of Seychelles, where they discussed methods for advancing climate strategies for island nations, and the critical need for climate finance to protect vulnerable ecosystems.
To strengthen relationships in the Latin America region during his visit to Colombia, the President-Designate met with David Choquehuanca, the Vice President of Bolivia, and Luis Gilberto Murillo, Colombia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. These discussions focused on advancing climate goals through multilateral cooperation and underscored Colombia’s pivotal role in uniting countries around their NBSAPs. In a meeting with Susana Muhamad, Colombia’s Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development and COP16 President, they explored ways to enhance collective action for biodiversity protection, building on the goals of the Kunming-Montreal Framework.
The President-Designate also attended a Ministerial Breakfast on “Strengthening Action for Peace with Nature: Integrated Solutions to the Climate Crisis, Biodiversity Loss, Desertification, and Pollution” and participated in the conference’s Opening Plenary meeting, where he joined international dignitaries to support the launch of the “World Coalition for Peace with Nature,” an initiative aimed at integrating climate action with global peace efforts. During the High-Level Ministerial Segment, the President Designate engaged with ministers and leaders to promote impactful climate finance and sustainable development solutions.
Looking Forward to COP29
The COP29 President-Designate’s trip to Colombia for the COP16 Convention on Biological Diversity served as a crucial steppingstone in the lead-up to COP29 in Azerbaijan. Through the Rio Trio Initiative—a collaborative effort between Azerbaijan, Colombia, and Saudi Arabia under the COP29 Presidency—the President-Designate fostered vital connections and engaged in meaningful dialogues with international leaders, underscoring the importance of collective action in addressing the interconnected challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and desertification. As the world prepares for COP29, these discussions will not only help shape a unified global response but also inspire the commitment necessary to drive impactful solutions for a sustainable future. The insights gained and partnerships forged during this trip lay the groundwork for a robust agenda at COP29, reinforcing the call for urgent and coordinated action to protect our planet and promote a harmonious relationship between humanity and nature.