The 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference, commonly known as COP29, has recently concluded in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22, 2024. This significant event brought together representatives from 198 parties, including 197 countries and the European Union, to address pressing climate change issues.

Key discussions at COP29 included setting a new climate finance goal to replace the former $100 billion target, fully activating the Loss and Damage fund, and supporting vulnerable communities. The conference also focused on finalizing guidelines for carbon markets under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and updating Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) from countries[2][4].

UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell emphasized the importance of these negotiations, stating that the new finance goal is "an insurance policy for humanity." The conference aimed to strengthen ambitions and ensure action to cap global warming at 1.5°C, as current data suggests that existing climate pledges may allow for a 2.9°C increase[2][4].

The event was hosted by Azerbaijan, with Mukhtar Babayev presiding over COP29 and Samir Nuriyev heading the Organising Committee. The conference venue, located next to the Baku Olympic Stadium, welcomed around 80,000 attendees and featured two main zones: the Blue Zone for official negotiations and the Green Zone for public access and exhibitions[2][3].

COP29 marked a critical step in global efforts to combat climate change, with leaders emphasizing the need for deep, rapid, and sustained emission reductions to keep temperatures under control and stay below 1.5°C. The conference's outcomes will play a crucial role in shaping future climate policies and actions.