BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 12/Agencies/- President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sadyr Zhaparov, delivered a compelling speech at the High-Level Segment of the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Gratitude and Recognition
In his opening remarks, President Zhaparov congratulated Azerbaijan on hosting COP29 and extended his gratitude to President Ilham Heydar Aliyev for the exceptional organization of the Leaders’ Summit on Climate Action. He expressed his delight that this significant event was being held in a brotherly country.
Global Climate Action
Highlighting the urgency of coordinated and well-funded climate actions, President Zhaparov emphasized the need to achieve the ambitions of the Paris Agreement. He advocated for the swift adoption of the New Collective Quantified Goal for climate financing and called on developed nations to increase their climate finance assistance to developing countries to two trillion U.S. dollars, with easier access to this funding.
Kyrgyzstan’s Initiatives
President Zhaparov announced Kyrgyzstan’s initiative to implement a debt-for-climate and sustainable development swap mechanism. He proposed restructuring the country’s foreign public debt for specific green projects through the newly established Climate Trust Fund, which will finance projects in ecology and sustainable mountain development. He invited interested countries to participate in this initiative.
Support and Contributions
Expressing gratitude to Turkey and Germany, President Zhaparov acknowledged their decisions to direct debt funds toward ‘green’ projects.
Emission Reduction Goals
Under its Nationally Determined Contributions, Kyrgyzstan aims to reduce emissions by 16% from the business-as-usual scenario by 2030, and with international support, by up to 44%. President Zhaparov outlined plans to achieve carbon neutrality through renewable energy development, improved energy efficiency, reduced coal consumption, and public awareness on energy mitigation.
Renewable Energy Projects
President Zhaparov highlighted ongoing renewable energy projects, including the implementation of the Kambarata HPP-1 hydropower project. In 2023, Kyrgyzstan commissioned 10 small hydropower plants, with plans to build 15 more and develop solar power stations with a total capacity of over 400 MW.
Challenges of Climate Change
Discussing the impacts of climate change, President Zhaparov noted the sharp increase in landslides in Kyrgyzstan, with over 300 incidents causing significant infrastructure damage, loss of lives, and displacement of residents. He also addressed rapid glacier melt, water scarcity, droughts, and desertification.
Sustainable Development in Mountain Regions
President Zhaparov emphasized the importance of sustainable development in mountain regions, noting that the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on “Sustainable Mountain Development,” proclaiming 2023-2027 as the Five Years of Action for the Development of Mountain Regions. He invited participants to the Second Global Mountain Summit “Bishkek+25” in 2027.
Call for International Support
In conclusion, President Zhaparov called for joint efforts to limit global warming and ensure a safe and sustainable future for the planet, emphasizing the need for international development partners and the support of all countries.
