‘It is time to move from words to action’

The capital of Azerbaijan hosted the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29)

Will it be possible to prevent serious disasters, or will such a large-scale event turn out to be merely declarative? Oftentimes, such events are just another expression of concerns, with no practical solutions following.

The President of Belarus, Aleksandr Lukashenko, in his speech at the World Climate Change Summit in Baku, deviated from his prepared remarks and spoke quite harshly on pressing ecological issues and the thoughtless policies of many countries:

belta

Dear friends!
There has been a lot of talk here about who has done what to improve the climate. However, I compare the recent period after our previous summit. It has only got worse — the war in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine, the war in southern Yemen. There are over 50 conflicts around the world that are severely impacting the climate on our planet. So, has it got better? Who is paying for emissions?
Suffice it to say that those — who were once so concerned about improving the climate — are absent from this conference today. Moreover, they are sabotaging it. There is more to come after the [recent] presidential election in the United States.  
The question arises: what is the effectiveness of our activities at such summits? Once, the President of France considered himself almost great for the Paris Agreement. And where is that President today? Is this not relevant? This is our effectiveness — our work. Therefore, there is nothing to report on now.
I would only like to congratulate my counterpart [the President of Azerbaijan] on the excellent organisation of this complex summit. 
Yet, those who think they can get away with being absent from this summit today… They will not get away with it! A storm in the United States, and recently in Valencia [referring to the flood] that caused casualties. This speaks to how we are ‘improving’ our climate. 
I say this frankly because my country cannot be reproached in this regard. We strictly fulfil all the commitments we have undertaken. However, due to the rampant bureaucracy of the UN Secretariat, it is practically impossible to say anything meaningful in three minutes, so I will limit myself to just a few proposals. 
First. The climate has changed; this is a given. Therefore, the primary task is to realign national economies, especially agriculture, taking into account the changed conditions and adapting it to new circumstances. Belarus is actively engaged in this topic and is ready to share its experience.
Second. It is necessary to assist developing countries in gaining equal access to green technologies without prejudice to their national interests. We must ensure that this assistance does not lead them into a state of dependency. All barriers that hinder international trade in technologies, the exchange of innovations, and best practices must be abolished.  
Third. Today, we are already facing a situation where new products, marketed as more environmentally friendly alternatives, cause no less harm. There is an objective need for new approaches to the comprehensive assessment of the potential environmental impact of innovations throughout the entire life cycle of these products.  
These and other areas require the consolidation of international efforts. Not just in words, but in action. It is time to move from words to action. Those who are to pay must pay, rather than hide away in their offices.  
Thank you for your attention!  
(Applause)

Bilateral negotiations 

President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko held a series of meetings with his counterparts in Baku

During the negotiations between the leaders of Belarus and Azerbaijan, the intensity of meetings in recent times was particularly noted. In May of this year, Aleksandr Lukashenko made a state visit to Azerbaijan. At that time, the heads of state held productive talks focusing on trade and economic co-operation. Twelve areas were identified that are intended to advance the relations between the two countries to a higher level — both immediately and in the long term. 
“We agreed on many things. I believe we have everything necessary to move along this path,” pointed out Aleksandr Lukashenko during his meeting with Ilham Aliyev in Baku.  
This autumn, the presidents of Belarus and Azerbaijan also had the opportunity to discuss various important issues in Moscow and Kazan, where they participated in the CIS and BRICS summits.  

Welcoming the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, Aleksandr Lukashenko expressed the need to intensify co-operation.
“It has been thirty years since we established diplomatic relations. A lot has been done, but serious changes have occurred both in our fate and in the fate of Serbia. This is all evident. Nevertheless, life goes on. I think we need to intensify our relations,” emphasised the Head of the Belarusian state.
Aleksandr Lukashenko proposed to activate the intergovernmental commission: its members are to conduct a review of bilateral relations and consider areas of co-operation. After the work at the intergovernmental commission level, the President suggested that Belarus’ Prime Minister make a visit to Serbia. 
“There are many areas of cooperation. I understand Serbia and have often said that it is difficult for you, as you are practically isolated. This must be taken into account when shaping your policy. However, we cannot afford to lose old friends. Therefore, it is essential to maintain relations with Russia and Belarus. These are true friends, genuine friends, and in this regard, I believe Serbia will do its utmost,” summarised the Belarusian leader.  
President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko also met with President of Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa on the sidelines of the World Climate Summit in Baku. The heads of state synchronised their watches on a number of issues regarding the development of bilateral co-operation and prospects for joint work on the African continent. “Mr. President, I am glad to see you active and cheerful, despite all the problems we face in the world,” Aleksandr Lukashenko greeted his counterpart.
“And my compliment to you, too. You look great. And younger, of course,” reciprocated the President of Zimbabwe.  
The Head of the Belarusian state reminded of the proposal to expand collaboration by involving other countries in the region, particularly Mozambique, “I have an idea that we discussed with you some time ago. We should meet at your place, invite the President of Mozambique, and we will build our joint relations together. We will ensure that you have your own ports in Mozambique, and through them, we will liaise with you more effectively and actively.”   

President: everyone reports on how great they are whereas it has become even worse 

Aleksandr Lukashenko clarified his position in a brief interview with journalists after his speech. The President of Belarus noted that the organisation of the summit, hosted by Azerbaijan this year, was brilliant. “That is the only thing that can be assessed positively. Yet, it was very expensive,” the Head of State remarked.  
In response to a question about the overall impression, the President said,  
“Disgusting. I voiced only the theses because — due to the rampant bureaucracy of the UN Secretariat — it all seems useless. What can you say in three minutes? Everyone reports on how great they are. It has become even worse. I outlined three wars that significantly affect the environment. The Houthis are being pressurised for no one knows why, there is a war in the Middle East (with prospects for involving other countries) and a war in Ukraine. These are just the major ones, but there are over 50 of such conflicts. This primarily pollutes the atmosphere. I spoke about that in Dubai [at a similar summit a year ago].  
The Belarusian leader added, “Who produces the most? Anglo-Saxons. Where are they? There are none [of them here]. Where is Mr. Macron [the President of France], who was so much promoting himself through the agenda of the Paris Agreement? Where is he? He is not even here today. They treat this issue with disdain. And today’s meeting is just another talking shop.”  
The Head of State was also asked whether he believes it is possible to stop the wars. “The reality suggests otherwise. Therefore, I have little faith in it,” Aleksandr Lukashenko replied.

Informal communication 
President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko was invited to an informal dinner by the President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, during his visit in Baku to participate in the Climate Change Summit. Among other high-profile guests were Crown Prince of Jordan Hussein bin Abdullah, Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama, as well as members of the UAE representative delegation.  
According to the press service of the Belarusian leader, a substantial conversation took place during the dinner.

Based on materials of sb.by and belta.by