The Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) made a dramatic exit from negotiations at the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan. Despite this abrupt withdrawal, AOSIS Chair Cedric Schuster emphasized the alliance’s ongoing commitment to the global multilateral process at COP. Firstly, let me make it clear that the Alliance of Small Island States remains committed to this process and is here in the spirit of good faith in multilateralism to secure the best deal that will protect not just us, but the world from the worst impacts of climate change,” Schuster stated.
AOSIS, which represents 20 percent of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), withdrew from stalled negotiations on the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG), citing a lack of progress. However, the alliance expressed a willingness to return to the negotiating table provided the process becomes more inclusive. “If this cannot be the case, it becomes very difficult for us to continue our involvement here at COP29,” Schuster explained.
Across all packages, there is a deplorable lack of substance, especially as it relates to the special needs and circumstances of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDC). Our key asks on mitigation have also been ignored.
AOSIS’s commitment amid COP29 walkout
We need to see progress and follow up on the transition away from fossil fuels that we agreed on last year. We have been asked to forget all about that at this COP as though we are not in a critical decade and as though the 1.5°C limit is not in peril.”
AOSIS called on all parties to honor the Paris Agreement, highlighting the glaring disparities between vulnerable and developed countries. “What is happening here highlights what a very different boat our vulnerable countries are in compared to the developed countries.
After this COP29 ends, we cannot just sail off into the sunset. We are literally sinking. Understand this—I am not exaggerating when I say our islands are sinking! How can you expect us to go back to the women, men, and children of our countries with a poor deal which will surely plunge them into further peril?” Schuster said.
He concluded by urging all countries to consider the grave impact climate change has on the world’s most vulnerable nations. COP29 was scheduled to wrap up in Baku yesterday but ran into overtime as parties struggled to reach a consensus on the way forward. This pivotal moment underscores the critical need for inclusive and substantial negotiations to address climate change urgently, especially for the nations on the front lines of its impacts.
Cameron is a highly regarded contributor in the rapidly evolving fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. His articles delve into the theoretical underpinnings of AI, the practical applications of machine learning across industries, ethical considerations of autonomous systems, and the societal impacts of these disruptive technologies.
