Leaders from South Asian civil society organizations (CSOs) gathered at a press conference and called for a clear framework and structure on the NCQG (Nationally Determined Contributions for Climate Finance) based on the principles of equity and justice as outlined in Article 9.1 of the Paris Agreement.
They urged developed countries not to leave Baku without making a concrete, measurable financial commitment and finalizing the framework at COP29.
The press conference, titled "LDCs & MVC Peoples’ Expectations and COP29," was held at the COP29 climate conference center in Baku.
Representatives from various CSOs, including Shailendra Yashwant Kharat from Climate Action Network South Asia (CANSA) in India, Dr. Abid Suleri, Executive Director of SDPI-Pakistan, Dr. Arjun Karki from Nepal, and Sharif Jamil from Bangladesh, among others, participated and shared their concerns.
The event was moderated by Aminul Hoque from EquityBD, Bangladesh.
Aminul Hoque criticized developed countries and their allies, particularly the COP presidency, for failing to make a clear statement on the transition away from fossil fuels.
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He noted that this critical condition was removed from the final draft text under pressure from major emitters. Hoque called on these countries to commit to producing new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in line with limiting global warming to 1.5°C by 2025.
He also demanded a financial declaration of at least USD 1.3 trillion per year, which is the minimum required for addressing the climate crisis.
Shailendra Yashwant Kharat accused developed country leaders of a “stark failure” in upholding the Paris Agreement, describing their actions as an insult to the global South and a "No Deal" outcome. He criticized the continued rhetoric that has not provided meaningful support for COP29 negotiations, pointing out the deadlock caused by unresolved issues such as “investment opportunities,” “partnerships,” and “enhanced domestic resource mobilization,” which he claimed shifted all responsibilities onto developing countries.
Kharat stressed, "There are no more excuses for the global North in Baku. As we approach the final stages of COP29 negotiations, developed countries must be ambitious and deliver the required climate finance of USD 1.3 trillion, based on Article 9.1 of the Paris Agreement, to enable climate action in the developing world with justice."
Dr. Abid Suleri noted the lack of progress on mitigation ambitions and related work programs. He also criticized efforts to impose conditions in the draft text, such as setting targets and introducing forced carbon trading mechanisms, which he argued would undermine the demands of developing countries and create a "debt trap."
Sharif Jamil expressed frustration, stating, "We are very tired and impatient, and we outright reject this meaningless deal." He added, "COP29 is going to end without any significant pledges for vulnerable and displaced people, as well as for reparations, which is unacceptable." Jamil emphasized that civil society demands adequate financing, but it must come through reparations and compensation, alongside non-debt instruments, to truly support those most affected by the climate crisis.
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Dr. Arjun Karki expressed concern that negotiations on the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) were stalled due to developed countries’ reluctance to provide necessary finance and the lack of clarity on indicators to measure progress.
He emphasized that adaptation is a lifeline for Most Vulnerable Countries (MVCs), and called for urgent action to close the large gap between adaptation funding and the actual needs. Karki urged developed countries to "triple, not double" adaptation funding by 2025.