Minister Calls for Increased Advocacy on Climate Financing Ahead of COP29

The Minister of State for Environment, Beatrice Anywar, has called for intensified advocacy for climate financing.  

The call comes as Uganda prepares to present its climate strategy at the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP29), which will be held from November 11 to 22 in Baku, Azerbaijan.    

Speaking to journalists about the country’s preparations for the COP29 meeting, Anywar highlighted Uganda’s global leadership, noting that the country is to leverage its position as current chair of the G-77 and China to champion the needs of developing nations by pushing for climate policies that address the urgent challenges they face come COP29.  

"Uganda is not merely a participant in climate talks; we are proving to be a leader," said Anywar. She emphasized that Ugandans in leadership roles should capitalize on this visibility to secure climate financing to support national development goals. "We have demonstrated our capacity to lead, and it’s time to turn that influence into action.  

The minister highlighted that Uganda has actively embraced multilateral collaboration to combat climate change, having signed and integrated several international climate treaties into its national laws, committing to update the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by early 2025, “Uganda aims to show a stronger commitment to lowering emissions and advancing sustainability, she stated, adding that this commitment aligns with COP29’s theme, "In Solidarity for a Green World," and the host country Azerbaijan’s two-pronged approach of "enhancing ambition" and "enabling action," she said.  

According to Anywar, Uganda plans to use the platform to advocate for increased financial resources to implement these climate ambitions, calling on developed nations to support vulnerable countries as they navigate climate challenges. “As COP29 takes on a special focus on climate finance, Uganda is set to push for an ambitious new climate finance target. 

Established in 2009, the current framework seeks to mobilize $100 billion annually to support climate adaptation and mitigation in developing countries. However, with increasing climate impacts, Uganda and other developing nations hope for a new, more substantial target that recognizes the unique vulnerabilities of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDs). 

The conference will also build on the progress made with the Loss and Damage Fund created at COP28, which aims to support nations hit hardest by climate-related disasters. Uganda plans to press for this fund to become fully operational, advocating for streamlined access that allows countries like Uganda to utilize these resources effectively.  

"For Uganda, this fund is more than financial support; it’s a recognition of historical responsibility," Anywar stated. "We need a mechanism that not only provides immediate relief but empowers our communities to rebuild for a sustainable future."  

Uganda has finalized regulations for carbon trading and will be actively promoting its carbon market strategies at COP29. Ugandan representatives will call for robust frameworks to ensure developing countries can participate equitably in these markets.  

Uganda also continues to support the global "UAE Consensus" goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Anywar noted, however, that Uganda’s approach includes a balanced transition that considers the country’s unique development needs and social welfare.  

COP29 will also serve as a platform for Uganda to draw attention to the issue of climate-induced migration, particularly in Africa. 

The Kampala Ministerial Declaration on Migration, Environment, and Climate Change, championed by Uganda, offers a regional framework for addressing the migration challenges worsened by climate change.

Anywar called on the international community to adopt this framework to help support displaced populations, particularly women and children.    

Uganda will use the COP29 platform for bilateral engagements and resource mobilization. Numerous side events will be held to highlight Uganda’s achievements in climate action and to strengthen partnerships with state and non-state actors.  

"We go to Baku with one message, one purpose, and one shared vision for a sustainable future," said Anywar.