Baku, Azerbaijan. The 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was held from November 11 to 24, 2024, in Baku, Azerbaijan. This annual gathering brought together over 55,000 participants, including global leaders, civil society representatives, Indigenous Peoples, youth, and other stakeholders, to deliberate on climate action and advance solutions to the world’s most pressing climate challenges. Despite high hopes, COP29 delivered mixed outcomes, marked by some modest progress and significant shortcomings.
Claretians were actively represented at COP29 by Br. Robert Omondi CMF, the Claretian Representative at the UN Environment Program (UNEP), and Fr. Rohan Dominic CMF, the Claretian Representative at the UN in New York. The Fondazione Proclade Internazionale-Onlus (FPI), which gained observer status at the UNFCCC in 2023, collaborated with the Network of Catholic Climate and Environment Actors (NCCEA) in preparation and participation. NCCEA, a coalition of Catholic organizations working on environmental justice, was formed after COP28 through a series of discussions among Catholic representatives who recognized the need for stronger collaboration to amplify their influence in global climate policy.
A highlight was a Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral, celebrated by Bishop Vladimír Fekete. This gathering emphasized the role of faith communities in promoting environmental justice and unity amid intense negotiations. The Claretians also renewed their partnership with UNEP’s Faith for Earth initiative and engaged in events at the Faith Pavilion.
Dubbed the “Finance COP,” the conference focused on climate finance but fell short of expectations. Developing nations sought $1.3 trillion annually for adaptation and mitigation but received pledges of only $300 billion, deferred until 2035. This shortfall highlighted persistent inequalities and a lack of urgency. Nevertheless, COP29 achieved some milestones: a New Collective Quantified Goal for climate finance was established, global carbon trading rules were finalized, and gender perspectives were integrated into climate policies.
However, these achievements were overshadowed by significant failures. No meaningful commitments were made to reduce fossil fuel emissions or support energy transitions for vulnerable communities. Diplomatic tensions hampered decisive action, reflecting broader challenges in achieving global consensus. As attention turns to COP30 in Belém, Brazil, in 2025, hopes remain for transformative outcomes.
In preparation for COP29, the Claretian UN team provided resources and updates to the Congregation through the Prefects of Apostolate and SOMI Coordinators, ensuring widespread awareness of the conference’s significance. During COP29, the team also shared daily updates, keeping members informed of its proceedings and outcomes. These efforts emphasized the importance of active engagement and solidarity in addressing climate issues.
The results of COP29 underscore the need for ongoing collaboration, advocacy, and participation in shaping climate policies. The Claretians remain committed to addressing the climate crisis by raising awareness, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting adaptation measures. This mission aligns with our broader commitment to caring for creation, promoting justice, and contributing meaningfully to safeguarding our planet.
