Dutch Climate Minister: Standing shoulder to shoulder is path to climate action success

During the ninth day of COP29, Dutch Climate Minister Sophie Hermans shared her perspectives on climate finance and Azerbaijan's contributions as the host of the summit in an interview with Azernews.

Responding to criticism that wealthy nations, including the Netherlands, have fallen short of fulfilling past climate finance pledges, Hermans stated:

“Well, I think for the Netherlands, if I have a look at what we contributed in the past few years on international climate financing, then I think that we paid our fair share. And I see that we're not yet there, and that in the coming years we still have to contribute—the Netherlands, the EU, but a lot of countries in the world, also countries that are not contributing yet. So that's, of course, the discussion we are now having in the negotiations.”

When asked about Azerbaijan’s role as the host of COP29 and its contributions to global energy security and climate action, Hermans expressed optimism about the collaborative spirit of the summit.

“I think it's pretty good that we're here now, that COP29 is taking place, that all the countries are here in Azerbaijan to talk about this really important issue of climate and the energy transition,” she noted.

Hermans emphasized the importance of unity and determination in addressing climate challenges. “You feel the energy here, the motivation of people that want to contribute. They are optimistic that we can do it together, because that's what I believe in. If we stand shoulder to shoulder, then we can solve this problem together. Nobody says it will be easy. Everybody sees there are barriers and difficulties on the way as well. But they're not a reason to give up. Instead, they're a reason to go on and to focus and to have eyes on the ball,” she concluded.

The Dutch minister’s remarks underscored the importance of maintaining momentum in climate action and fostering global cooperation to overcome challenges.