President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb attended the UN Climate Change Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, on 11-12 November 2024.
President Stubb delivered Finland’s national statement at the World Leaders Climate Action Summit on Tuesday 12 November.
“In the age of growing multipolarity, we need multilateralism more than ever before. Climate change is litmus test for multilateralism, President Stubb said in Finland’s national statement on Tuesday 12 November.
The President said that countries with growing influence should be part of global decision-making. At the same time, they also need to take on more responsibility. Global responsibilities cannot forever be based on the circumstances of the early 1990’s. The biggest emitters and major economies determine the direction of global emissions development.
Targeting climate funding
“We all have to take more responsibility for reducing emissions,” the President said in his statement, referring to goals to be set ahead of next year’s COP30 conference in Brazil.
Climate funding also needs to be increased and targeted where the need is greatest. “Finland, as part of the EU, remains committed to supporting developing countries in their climate action. We want to mobilise funding for countries which need it the most.”
According to President Stubb, we have to take more responsibility for future generations. To succeed, we need: 1) national and international targets and legislation, 2) increased public and private funding, and 3) technological innovations.
“And yes, all three are needed together. You cannot regulate or pay yourself out of the climate crises. Regulation sets the target. Finance creates the conditions for innovative technologies.
The President also participated in the Climate Club Roundtable of Heads of State and Government, hosted by Germany and Chile, and served as keynote speaker at a Climate Leadership Coalition (CLC) session on carbon pricing.
Bilateral meetings
On Monday 11 November, President Stubb met with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Alijev, who hosted the conference. In addition to the objectives of the COP29, the Presidents discussed Ukraine, the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and the global impact of the US elections.
During the Conference, President Stubb had bilateral meetings with President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan.
The annual climate conference brings countries together to accelerate efforts to meet the goals of the Paris Climate agreement. The conference in Baku continues until 22 November.
President Stubb led the Finnish delegation during the first week of the conference. During the second week, the delegation will be led by Minister of Climate and the Environment Kai Mykkänen.
