The walkout, which occurred after hours of stalled negotiations on the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and climate finance goals (NCQG), underscores growing frustration among the world’s most vulnerable nations
In a dramatic turn of events at COP29 in Baku, negotiators from the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) have walked out of overtime consultations with the COP29 president of Azerbaijan, citing the continued neglect of their urgent climate finance needs.
The walkout, which occurred after hours of stalled negotiations on the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and climate finance goals (NCQG) on Saturday, underscores growing frustration among the world’s most vulnerable nations.
These nations, which are already bearing the brunt of the climate crisis, have expressed outrage over the lack of meaningful financial support in the latest draft agreements, accusing wealthier countries of ignoring their dire circumstances.
Cedric Schuster, the Samoan Chairman of AOSIS, spoke passionately about the withdrawal, stating, “We’ve just walked out. We came here to this COP for a fair deal. We feel that we haven’t been heard.” AOSIS represents small island nations that are threatened by rising sea levels and extreme weather events caused by climate change.
In his statement, Schuster made it clear that the walkout was not a step taken lightly but one borne out of frustration with the ongoing process. He reaffirmed that AOSIS and LDCs are committed to the COP process and multilateralism, but they cannot continue participating in negotiations that exclude their key concerns.
“We want nothing more than to continue to engage, but the process must be INCLUSIVE,” Schuster emphasized. “If this cannot be the case, it becomes very difficult for us to continue our involvement here at COP29.”
Schuster criticized the lack of progress on key issues, particularly on finance for climate adaptation and mitigation in small island and least developed countries. He pointed out that these nations are among the hardest hit by climate change, yet their calls for assistance have been repeatedly ignored by wealthier nations.
“We are literally sinking,” Schuster said, referring to the existential threat faced by island nations due to rising sea levels. “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?”
The AOSIS chairman also expressed deep dissatisfaction with the lack of attention given to the transition away from fossil fuels, a critical issue for countries like those in AOSIS and LDCs, who are already experiencing the devastating impacts of climate change. Schuster stressed that the promises made at previous COP meetings regarding the phase-out of fossil fuels have been all but forgotten at this year’s talks.
“Across all packages, there is a deplorable lack of substance, especially as it relates to the special needs and circumstances of SIDS and LDCs,” he said, adding that their key demands for a just transition away from fossil fuels were being ignored.
“We need to see progress and follow-up on the transition away from fossil fuels that we agreed 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.”
Schuster’s statement highlighted the critical divide between vulnerable countries and the wealthier nations that are more responsible for climate change. He called on all parties to act with honor and respect the commitments made under the Paris Agreement, particularly the promise that developed countries would provide adequate financial assistance to those most affected by climate change.
“What is happening here is highlighting what a very different boat our vulnerable countries are in, compared to the developed countries,” Schuster said. “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!”
The walkout has put the future of COP29’s negotiations in jeopardy, with growing calls for developed nations to step up and honor their financial commitments. The international community now faces a crucial moment to ensure that the voices of the world’s most vulnerable populations are not silenced, and that a meaningful, inclusive climate deal can still be reached.
Schuster concluded his remarks with a call for collective action: “We are appealing to all countries to act with honour. Do not be remembered for contributing to a process which will go down as showing contempt for the world’s most vulnerable. Let us all come together and show the world we are serious about being saviors, and commit to a deal that will redound to the benefit of us all.”
The tension in Baku now leaves negotiators with little time to secure a deal that will address the critical needs of those who have contributed least to the climate crisis but are suffering the most from its effects.
