BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 9. COP31 conference
will focus on delivering on climate commitments, delivering real
benefits to people, and paying particular attention to countries on
the front lines of climate change impacts, Australia's Deputy
President for COP31 negotiations, David Higgins, said at the
official opening ceremony of the 4th Climate Week in Baku, Trend's correspondent
reports from the event.


He noted that Australia has worked closely with Türkiye over the
year to build a strong partnership built on trust, cooperation, and
friendship.


"These values ​​will provide a solid foundation for COP31 in
Antalya in just two months," Higgins pointed out.


According to him, this year's COP will take place against a
backdrop of geopolitical tensions, instability in energy markets,
and global uncertainties.


"Multilateralism hasn't been tested to this extent for a long
time. Today, it's absolutely clear that international cooperation
and multilateralism have never been more important," he
emphasized.


Higgins also noted that the COP31 partnership, stretching from
the Mediterranean to the Pacific, provides a significant
opportunity to strengthen climate action.


"As the COP31 Presidency and negotiating team, we'll deliver a
transparent, inclusive, and collaborative presidency. We'll listen
to all parties, take into account your experiences, and support
each other's initiatives to achieve practical results," he
explained.


The Australian delegate noted that COP31 will be a 'COP of
realization and implementation'.


"We want to ensure that the commitments already made are
fulfilled, that they deliver real benefits to people, and that we
focus particularly on those on the front lines of climate change.
As part of this, we are working closely with Türkiye as COP chair
to unite the world around priorities that support a genuine global
energy transition," said Higgins.


He noted that economies powered by clean energy, supported by
modern power grids and batteries, stand out as a sustainable
solution.


"Electrification is one of the most practical ways to reduce
emissions, support energy security, and increase economic
opportunities. Electrification has undoubtedly become one of the
key themes of this COP, and we'll ensure translation of this
momentum into strong outcomes in Antalya," he stressed.







Higgins highlighted that COP31 also provides an important
opportunity to improve access to climate finance.


"To this end, we are using our leadership role at COP31 to build
consensus on making the climate finance architecture simpler,
faster, and fairer," he said.


According to him, the current climate finance system is not
designed with the needs of small island states and least developed
countries in mind.


"Long approval processes, high transaction costs, complex
information requirements, and fragmented financing mechanisms are
preventing countries from building climate resilience," Higgins
said.


He further pointed out that the Pacific island states face
serious problems such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events,
and threats to food and water security.


Higgins mentioned that special attention will be paid to the
priorities of the Pacific region within COP31. These priorities
include keeping the 1.5°C target within reach, strengthening the
ocean-climate link, making Pacific peoples' voices heard more, and
improving access to finance.


"At a time when trust in multilateralism is being tested, our
most powerful tool is collective action. We must continue to come
together to fight climate change and take advantage of the
opportunities of the energy transition," he added.


In conclusion, Higgins highly appreciated the leadership and
activity of Azerbaijan and Brazil at the last two COP
conferences.


"We look forward to working with Türkiye to build on this strong
legacy at COP31," the official said.