COP29 defeated the skeptics, COP30 falls short of expectations

Azerbaijan’s hosting of COP29 in Baku has been hailed by officials as a diplomatic and climate-policy success, contrasting with a stuttering start to COP30 in Belem, Brazil.

Azerbaijan’s selection to host the 29th UN climate conference was framed by Baku as recognition of the country’s growing international standing and its willingness to tackle environmental challenges. Authorities say the lead-up to COP29 was marred by an «information war,» with the State Service for Special Communication and Information Security and the COP29 Security Management Center identifying and blocking 15 domestic «fake news» resources.

Despite the criticism, organisers reported robust participation: more than 50 heads of state and government attended. Delegates approved the launch of the Loss and Damage Fund, with pledges surpassing $730mln to help the most climate-vulnerable nations address existing impacts. They also agreed a new «Baku Finance Goal,» a headline target to mobilise $1.3 trillion per year in climate finance for developing countries, including at least $300bn annually from developed countries through 2035,a step Baku says eclipses the previous $100bn benchmark.

Officials in Azerbaijan argue the outcomes show energy-producing nations can credibly host climate summits and deliver results, calling the decisions a potential turning point for global climate action.

By contrast, COP30, which opens 10–21 November in Belem, has faced early turbulence. Delegation members have complained of accommodation shortages, and a road project that required felling part of a forest has drawn environmental criticism. Observers note lower interest from top political figures this year; the White House has said it will not send high-level officials, a departure from the senior U.S. presence reported in Baku.

Analysts also point to a more diffuse COP30 agenda, warning that vague priorities and limited high-level engagement could hinder breakthroughs across several files. On current indications, they say, Belem is struggling to match Baku’s pace or specificity.

For Baku, the comparison underscores what officials describe as an ultimately futile campaign to discredit Azerbaijan before, during, and after COP29,an effort they argue has been overtaken by events and outcomes on the ground.

Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that The US Senate on Sunday advanced a House-approved bill aimed at ending the 40-day federal government shutdown, which has left employees unpaid and disrupted services.