Water at the Forefront of UNFCCC COP 29 Side Events

Several events on 21 November during the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 29) addressed water-related issues, while others explored the role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Balkans, and designing net-zero buildings.

One high-level event saw the launch of the Baku Dialogue on Water for Climate Action, a platform promoting collaboration and initiatives that address water challenges and accelerate solutions for the water crisis. Endorsement of the COP 29 Declaration on Water and Climate Action was also lauded and a letter of Intent for the Baku Dialogue was signed.

During the event, speakers emphasized, among others:

the importance of transboundary water cooperation and developing practical guidance on how to mainstream transboundary water in nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs);
challenges faced in addressing water resilience, particularly with respect to freshwater;
the need for countries to integrate water and its ecosystem services into national policies;
the relevance of the Dialogue to the work of the new UN Special Envoy on Water;
the UK’s Just Transition for Water Security Programme to provide technical assistance to vulnerable countries so they can better manage water resources;
the US 2022-2027 Global Water Strategy, which operationalizes the White House Global Water Security Action Plan;
the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) XPRIZE Water Scarcity competition, which has a total prize amount of USD 119 million, to encourage innovators to transform water desalination technology;
Canada’s investment of CAD 650 million over ten years in the Freshwater Action Plan to support community-based projects to protect freshwater sources; and
the G7 Water Coalition, which aims to strengthen the “political relevance of water” internationally and improve water resource management.

A “lakeside chat” with women leaders also took place. The event was organized by the COP 29 Presidency, the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).

Focusing on Ocean Breakthroughs, another event described them as transformative pathways in sectors where accelerated action and investments could deliver up to 35% emission reductions. The event also launched the Coastal Tourism Breakthrough and showcased progress and growing support to Breakthroughs in four other key sectors – energy, food, shipping, and conservation. Speakers argued that the Ocean is part of the solution to achieve the objectives of the Paris Agreement on climate change and, therefore, it must be included as part of climate finance.

A first panel focused on the launch of the Coastal Tourism Breakthrough, which shows commitment by the tourism industry to halve emissions by investing at least USD 30 billion into the sector by 2030 and even more investments for need-based adaptation. The second panel provided updates on the Ocean Breakthroughs across sectors. The event was organized by the Ocean & Climate Platform.

Integrating water solutions into NAPs and NDCs was the focus of an event on water for climate action, which brought together stakeholders to exchange perspectives and seek collaborative solutions for scaling up and integrating water into climate strategies.

The event’s first segment focused on how the UN system is supporting countries’ strategies and plans to scale up and implement water-related mitigation and adaptation measures. Experts identified key issues for water resources and the need to put them at the center of climate action. The UN-Water Analytical Brief Water for Climate Mitigation was highlighted as it identifies issues for integrating water resources and provides guidance on how these resources can help achieve climate goals. One speaker lamented that fewer than half of NAPs and only 6% of NDCs mention this as a thematic area.

The second segment featured an exchange of perspectives and collaborative solutions, with speakers calling for more coordination and mainstreaming water into climate policymaking. Panelists also mentioned: the Water at the Heart of Climate Action project, which aims to improve early warning systems for droughts and flooding; a report on the Economics of Water; and the Alliance for Global Water Adaptation’s (AGWA) water resilience tracker, a diagnostic tool that can help countries develop their national climate plans. The event was organized by the UNECE, WMO, and UNEP.

Experts in designing, building, and regulating resilient buildings explored the most effective means of scaling up built-environment solutions to deliver on net zero and other climate ambitions during another event. Speakers underscored: working with communities to ensure that built environments are equitable; building codes and standards aimed at safety and affordability; a Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard with a single methodology, which can be a “blueprint” for carbon assessments; and projects to rebuild schools after typhoons and earthquakes and build “green data centers.” Panelists also focused on the challenges of unlocking finance for built-environment solutions, mentioning that the Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard could be used to channel investments. The event was organized by the Delta Electronics Foundation.

An event focused on the Western Balkans explored ways to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) toward a net-zero economy in the region where SMEs make up over 90% of all businesses. Panelists discussed how to recognize the role of SMEs in the green transition and bridge the gap between climate policy aspirations and on-the-ground realities for SMEs. Speakers cited: difficulties in adopting green production methods due to a lack of resources; and the need for fair access to adapt to market changes, with the help of governments.

Discussion sessions focused on: the role of governments, with Serbia and North Macedonia making interventions; and the role of the private sector and public-private partnerships (PPPs), with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) mentioned as raising awareness and fostering information exchange for the private sector. Speakers also highlighted: the EU Green Deal and the Green Agenda for the Balkans as critical guidelines for the region’s transition; and cooperation in Bangladesh, where civil society worked with companies to improve the ready-made garment industry’s labor standards. The event was co-hosted by Montenegro and Helvetas.