Dozens of world leaders and representatives from nearly 200 countries convened in Baku on Tuesday for the United Nations’ 29th Climate Change Conference (COP29), kicking off two weeks of high-stakes negotiations. As nations face escalating climate challenges, from catastrophic flooding and intense heatwaves to destructive wildfires and prolonged droughts, the summit’s goal is to forge stronger commitments to both climate mitigation and adaptation.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres is among the prominent voices expected to address the gathering, emphasizing the urgency of coordinated global action. The leaders will deliberate on measures to limit greenhouse gas emissions and explore how to bolster support for countries most affected by climate change. One of the conference’s key priorities is to secure increased financial aid for poorer nations disproportionately impacted by climate disasters.

However, notable absences from the summit include French President Emmanuel Macron, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, whose nation will assume the COP presidency in 2025. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also withdrew from the event due to political turbulence at home, following the collapse of his coalition government.

As COP29 unfolds, the international community watches closely, anticipating critical developments that could shape the global response to climate change for years to come.