IDRC at COP29

 
IDRC is participating in the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), in Baku, Azerbaijan , November 11 – November 22, 2024.
A woman stands in a wheat field with her child.
Petterik Wiggers / Panos Pictures

IDRC representatives and research partners will host and co-host several panel discussions and side events at COP29 on a range of important climate-related topics.

IDRC has a long experience in supporting Southern-led research in areas such as finance, food systems, adaptation planning, climate justice and the transition to a low-carbon future, with an overall focus on gender equality and social inclusion. 

Information on IDRC and partner events at COP29 can be found below. 

This year’s conference will focus on climate finance aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting lives and livelihoods from the worsening impacts of climate change. Countries will also present their updated national climate action plans under the Paris agreement, which are due by early 2025, as well as engage in concrete discussions on energy transition and other mitigation commitments. 

IDRC is committed to Canada's focus on promoting climate action that is inclusive and that respects and promotes human rights, gender equality and the rights of Indigenous people.

Having long recognized the importance of meaningful action to address climate change, IDRC is proud to be an official UNFCCC observer and part of Canada’s presence at this crucial climate change gathering. 

IDRC-hosted/co-hosted events at COP29

Thursday, November 14 

Delivering loss and damage financing to the most vulnerable in the Global South

17:15-18:15 ATZ │Canada Pavilion

The establishment of the fund for responding to loss and damage caused by climate-induced natural disasters offers hope for vulnerable countries and communities. But challenges remain in securing pledged contributions and scaling up the fund’s operations to support the most affected communities. This event will feature the latest research and insights from two IDRC-funded collaborative local action research projects on loss and damage. It seeks to shift the understanding of policy actors and other stakeholders towards a more country-driven, locally led, context-specific and inclusive delivery of loss-and-damage financing.

Hosted by IDRC

Monday, November 18

Animal health, mitigation and adaptation: Innovative financing for sustainable livestock development

13h14-14h45 AZT | Side Event Room 6

Livestock production systems differ markedly between national and agroecological contexts, but tailored actions to improve animal health can significantly increase productivity, reduce emissions and enhance livestock keeper adaptation. Improving animal health can help achieve climate change adaptation and mitigation goals. This session will discuss different approaches needed in different livestock production systems and the role that climate finance can play to help livestock keepers achieve better health for their animals. 

Hosted by the International Livestock Research Institute, BAIF Development Research Foundation, European Dairy Association, International Dairy Federation and IDRC

Aquatic foods for climate action: Showcasing solutions to increase ambition

16:45-18:15 AZT | Side Event Room 2

Blue or aquatic foods are a critical solution to supply low-carbon, high-quality nutrition for the growing global population. They hold enormous potential for increasing food security and economic growth in developing countries, while providing adaptation and mitigation solutions to climate change. This panel discussion will feature high-level speakers from national governments and regional organizations to showcase aquatic food climate solutions and spur further action and investment in this critical area.

Hosted by IDRC and WorldFish

Tuesday, November 19

Research partnerships and the role of finance

14:00-15:30 AZT | Canada Pavilion

Despite a growing recognition that climate change and biodiversity must be addressed together, the lack of an integrated global policy framework leads to fragmented action. Innovative research can bridge these gaps by connecting knowledge, policy, finance and people. This round table discussion will focus on international partnerships and global perspectives showcasing initiatives on the ground. It seeks to inspire joint action for climate, nature and people, paving the way for COP30 and beyond.

Hosted by IDRC and York University

Thursday, November 21

A dialogue on the evidence base for equitable and inclusive capacity-building for climate action

14:00-15:30 AZT | Saleemul Huq Pavilion

Capacity building has long been understood as an important means of implementation for climate action under the UNFCCC. The 2024 Adaptation Gap Report contains the first-ever global assessment of capacity-building needs for adaptation. However, significant evidence gaps remain, especially around the gendered and intersectional dimensions of capacity building. With two new studies as a starting point, this session will facilitate a dialogue aimed at identifying future priorities and innovative practices to drive equitable and inclusive capacity building for adaptation.

Hosted by IDRC, the UN Environment Programme and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture

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