VIVAT International at the Forefront of Advocacy in Baku
VIVAT International delegates Kachi Adindu CSSp and Iyo Iyan Daquin OMI joined global climate advocates at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, where climate finance took center stage in a critical phase of global climate negotiations. Their presence affirmed VIVAT’s commitment to amplifying grassroots concerns and promoting justice in climate governance.
This year’s conference underscored the urgency of mobilizing resources for vulnerable communities and advancing inclusive, rights-based climate solutions.
Hope and Tension: The Opening Atmosphere
The conference opened with a mix of anticipation and skepticism. As Kachi Adindu CSSp observed, there was visible energy in the air, yet a lingering wariness due to past unfulfilled promises. While the COP28 President’s opening remarks acknowledged the gravity of the climate crisis, trust remained fragile. Many Global South participants expressed concern over Azerbaijan’s fossil fuel ties, highlighting the tension between climate ambition and entrenched industry interests.
Finance Front and Center
One of the most significant outcomes of COP29 was the commitment to triple global climate finance to $300 billion annually by 2035. This long-awaited increase marks a critical step toward supporting developing countries in their climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. However, many civil society groups—VIVAT among them—stressed the need for clear, accountable mechanisms to ensure that funds are delivered efficiently and equitably.
Finalized agreements on carbon markets under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement brought cautious optimism. While these mechanisms hold potential for emissions reduction and financial flows to developing nations, VIVAT and its allies emphasized the need for safeguards to protect human rights and ecosystems.
A Strong Civil Society Presence
Outside the negotiation halls, VIVAT International played an active role in civil society engagement. At our interactive dialogue, diverse voices shared firsthand experiences of climate injustice. Christina Kwala from Papua New Guinea spoke of mining’s impact on Indigenous communities, while Kenyan journalist Leon Lidigu challenged the opacity of climate finance systems.
Through side events and public advocacy, VIVAT joined the broader call for a swift, just transition away from fossil fuels and for honoring past financial commitments. Civil society was clear: climate justice requires more than pledges—it demands transparency, accountability, and moral courage.
Centering Non-Economic Loss and Indigenous Voices
VIVAT’s advocacy at COP29 brought critical attention to non-economic losses and damages—those aspects of climate destruction that cannot be measured in dollars. As Iyo Iyan Daquin OMI powerfully reflected, protecting cultural heritage and honoring community identity must be central to climate policy.
Indigenous participation was another key concern. Our delegates joined growing calls to ensure Indigenous peoples and local communities are not only consulted but meaningfully involved in decision-making. Their knowledge systems, lived realities, and resilience are indispensable to climate solutions.
Looking Ahead: Toward COP30 and Beyond
As COP29 closes, VIVAT International looks ahead to COP30 in Brazil with renewed commitment. We will continue to advocate for climate action rooted in social justice, human dignity, and ecological integrity.
In collaboration with faith-based and civil society partners, VIVAT remains a prophetic voice at the global table—calling for climate finance that reaches those most in need, and for policies that uphold the rights of the most affected communities. The path forward is steep, but our resolve is stronger than ever.
