Azerbaijan's Shamakhi Meeting boosts climate diplomacy

Azerbaijan is hosting the UNFCCC’s second Climate Week and, following its COP29 presidency, continues to play an active role in international climate diplomacy. The Shamakhi Meeting, now in its third year, serves as an informal platform that bridges the Bonn summer sessions and the pre‑COP period, allowing participants to discuss unresolved issues and build trust.

The 2024 meeting was held on 22–23 July in cooperation with the COP31 co‑chairs Turkey and Australia. Delegates included the COP31 chairs, leaders from Fiji, Tuvalu, Ethiopia (future COP32 chair), Ireland (current EU Council chair), and representatives of Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic, Sweden, China, Russia, Egypt, Pakistan, Kenya and Nigeria, among others. The gathering aimed to advance the outcomes of the Bonn sessions, foster constructive dialogue, and identify possible compromises on climate policy.

By providing an open, non‑formal setting, the Shamakhi Meeting helps participants articulate positions more freely, strengthening mutual understanding and contributing to the broader UNFCCC negotiation process ahead of COP31.