Climate change stands as one of humanity's greatest challenges, demanding global cooperation to seek effective solutions. Against this backdrop, the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP) has become a pivotal event, bringing together the participation of over 190 countries and the European Union.
COP29, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November 2024, marks a significant milestone in the global fight against climate change, drawing special attention from world leaders, scientists, and the international community.
What is COP?
The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the annual meeting under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). These conferences serve as a platform for governments to evaluate global progress in implementing the Paris Agreement and the Framework Convention, with the primary goal of limiting global temperature increases to 1.5°C, based on the latest scientific findings.
Currently, there are 198 parties (197 countries and the European Union), representing nearly the entire international community. During COP sessions, world leaders convene to assess progress and negotiate optimal solutions to combat climate change.
Each COP meeting provides an opportunity for global leaders to review the implementation of international commitments such as the Paris Agreement and the UNFCCC, while discussing new strategies to address the challenges posed by climate change. The upcoming COP29 is scheduled to take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November 2024.
COP Conferences to Date:
- COP1 : Held in 1995 in Berlin, Germany.
- COP2 : Held in July 1996 in Geneva, Switzerland.
- COP3 : Held in December 1997 in Kyoto, Japan.
- COP4 : Held in November 1998 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- COP5 : Occurred from October 25 to November 5, 1999, in Bonn, Germany
- COP6 : Held from November 13–25, 2000, in The Hague, Netherlands
- COP7 : Took place in October–November 2001 in Marrakech, Morocco
- COP8 : Conducted from October 23 to November 1, 2002, in New Delhi, India
- COP9 : Took place from December 1–12, 2003, in Milan, Italy
- COP10 : Held from December 6–17, 2004, in Buenos Aires, Argentina
- COP11 : Occurred from November 28 to December 9, 2005, in Montreal, Canada
- COP12/CMP 2 : Held from November 6–17, 2006, in Nairobi, Kenya
- COP13/CMP 3 : Took place from December 3–17, 2007, in Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia
- COP14/CMP 4 : Conducted from December 1–12, 2008, in Poznań, Poland
- COP15/CMP 5 : Took place from December 7–18, 2009, in Copenhagen, Denmark
- COP16/CMP 6 : Held in 2010 in Cancún, Mexico
- COP17/CMP7 : Conducted in Durban, South Africa, from November 28 to December 9, 2011
- COP18/CMP : Occurred in Doha, Qatar, from November 26 to December 7, 2012
- COP19/CMP9 : Took place in Warsaw, Poland, from November 11–23, 2013
- COP20/CMP 10 : Held in Lima, Peru, from December 1–12, 2014
- COP21/CMP 11 : Conducted in Paris, France, from November 30 to December 12, 2015
- COP22/CMP 12/CMA 1 : Held in Marrakech, Morocco, from November 7–18, 2016
- COP23/CMP 13/CMA 2 : Took place in Bonn, Germany, from November 6–17, 2017
- COP24/CMP 14 : Held in November 2018 in Katowice, Poland.
- COP25/CMP 15/CMA 4 : Conducted in late 2019 in Santiago, Chile.
- COP26 : Took place from November 1–12, 2021, in Glasgow, Scotland, UK.
- COP27 : Held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, from November 6–18, 2022
- COP28 : Held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from December 1–10, 2023
- COP29 : Held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11–22, 2024
COP29 Conference
COP29 attracted nearly 70,000 global leaders, negotiators, observers, and activists amidst a climate crisis, with global temperature and greenhouse gas emissions forecasted to reach record highs. This conference serves as a platform for nations to make stronger commitments and actions in terms of finance, technology, and capacity building; it aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions toward achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement.
The theme of COP29 is "Unity for a Green World," with two pillars: Enhancing Ambition and Activating Action. The theme "Unity for a Green World" calls for countries to uphold their commitments in both reducing greenhouse gas emissions and contributing financially, emphasizing solidarity to understand and act together for a common goal. To achieve the objectives of the Paris Agreement (keeping the increase below 2°C and striving for 1.5°C), countries must "enhance their ambition" to align with the target and "activate action" to turn commitments into reality.
Vietnam at COP29
Vietnam at COP29 Vietnam reaffirms its strong commitment at COP29
Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Le Cong Thanh led the Vietnamese delegation to COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. Here, the Vietnamese delegation affirmed its determination and strong efforts, actively participating in important activities and making specific proposals to address climate change.
In the high-level session, Vietnam supported the proposal to provide climate finance of $1 trillion annually from now until 2030. This goal aims to assist developing countries in transitioning their economies, societies, and environments fairly. The Vietnamese delegation emphasized the responsibility of developed countries in significantly reducing emissions, with the target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2040, while also calling for global cooperation in implementing the new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Event on the National Climate Change Adaptation Plan
The Vietnamese delegation chaired a side event on the National Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the period 2021–2030, with a vision for 2050 (NAP). This event, organized in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), attracted attention from leaders, experts, and international partners.
The updated plan adjusts its objectives and solutions, including 162 priority tasks aimed at enhancing resilience to climate change, reducing disaster risks, and mobilizing resources from the private sector. Initiatives such as sustainable livelihood development models, nature-based adaptation, and carbon markets were highlighted as pioneering solutions.
Strengthening International Cooperation
Within the framework of COP29, the Vietnamese delegation held bilateral meetings with representatives from the United Kingdom, Singapore, and other partners. Vietnam and the United Kingdom signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in environmental and climate change areas, focusing on biodiversity protection, carbon market development, and promoting a green economy.
In the meeting with Singapore, the two sides discussed sustainable water resource management and development solutions, as well as opportunities for transferring advanced technologies in wastewater treatment and water conservation. These initiatives not only contribute to mitigating the impacts of climate change but also aim to establish a long-term collaboration framework between the two countries.
Reaffirming the Net-Zero Emissions Commitment by 2050 at COP29
In the high-level session, Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh confirmed that Vietnam will continue to pursue the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. This demonstrates Vietnam’s responsibility and strategic vision in digital and green transformation, contributing to global sustainable development and protecting future generations.
COP29 once again highlights Vietnam’s active role on the international stage, not only as a participant but also as a pioneer in climate change adaptation initiatives and solutions.
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