The 29th session of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP29) is organized around thematic days. November 18 has been designated as Human Development Day, focusing on children and youth, health, and education. In this context, a high-level roundtable on climate and health was held.
During the event, a Letter of Intent was signed for the establishment of the "Baku COP Presidencies Continuity Coalition for Climate and Health." The coalition includes Azerbaijan, the United Kingdom, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Brazil.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Health of Azerbaijan, Teymur Musayev, emphasized that as the host country of COP29, Azerbaijan is committed to promoting the interconnection between climate and health: “The impact of climate change on health is already being felt worldwide. These effects threaten not only the well-being of individuals but also the resilience of healthcare systems, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.”
According to the minister, the coalition represents a high level of international collaboration: “Today, we are taking an important step forward in our collective commitment to addressing these challenges. Together with the World Health Organization, we are dedicated to ensuring that climate change and health remain at the heart of the global agenda.”

In his speech, Teymur Musayev emphasized the notable achievements made during previous COP sessions: “Initiatives such as the establishment of the Alliance for Transformative Action on Climate and Health (ATACH) at COP26, the Climate Action and Nutrition Initiative (I-CAN) at COP27, and the COP28 Guiding Principles on Financing Climate and Health for Health Protection have laid a significant and solid foundation. However, we must not rest on our laurels.”
The minister highlighted the need for the new coalition to strengthen these efforts, amplify their impact, and create an appropriate platform to bring together stakeholders from governments, international organizations, civil society, academia, and the private sector: “This coalition is not created for dialogue alone. By signing the Letter of Intent, we commit to a shared vision of a world where climate and health policies are not isolated but integrated into all aspects of governance and development.”
“We are witnessing how climate change impacts health globally—from rising temperatures exacerbating respiratory diseases to the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, the health of people is under threat. However, we also see an opportunity for transformation. By prioritizing both health and climate action, we can save lives, build stronger healthcare systems, and contribute to sustainable development,” the Minister of Health of Azerbaijan concluded.