United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 29)

Double Delegation : Promoting Inclusive Climate Action and Developing Sustainable Finance Frameworks

Committee Description

Each year, the United Nations Climate Change Conference garners significant international attention as members meet to discuss global progress in combating climate change. Historically, the COP conferences have led to significant international progress, with the adoption of the Paris Agreement occurring at COP 21. The Paris Agreement was historic; nearly all countries convened to establish contribution goals and set long-term objectives, such as the limiting of global warming to under 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. However, these agreements have not been enough to ensure the universal participation and binding commitments necessary for sustained progress. 

Past reports have highlighted the widespread impacts of climate change and its disproportionate impact on states that do not pollute heavily. In other words, the climate burden and its consequences do not fall proportionately on the actors directly responsible. How can we, as an international community, reckon with this current asymmetry in responsibility? 

This year’s edition of the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP 29, will take place in Azerbaijan from November 11th to November 22nd (right after SSUNS!!). At SSUNS, delegates in the COP 29 committee will discuss a breadth of climate-related agenda items, such as climate finance and international cooperation.This committee will feature key discussions on mobilizing private-sector investments, enhancing climate finance access for Small Island Developing States, and ensuring accountability and transparency in industries. 

In terms of international cooperation and multilateral agreements, this committee will explore the successes and shortcomings of past agreements. Improving these frameworks is critical for addressing the widespread impacts of climate change. More broadly, delegates will also be challenged with reconciling the various power imbalances inherent to international forums in order to ensure the efficacy of COP 29’s proposed solutions and frameworks.

This committee will function as a large General Assembly committee with a double delegation format, allowing for comprehensive representation and collaborative policymaking.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Rose Cioffi at gaecosoc@ssuns.org

Cat Lu

Chair

Alexandria Alikakos

Vice-Chair

Simon-Paul Payet

Vice-Chair

Xining Wu

Vice-Chair