Azerbaijan COP29 Presidency and the International Energy Agency (IEA) hosted the third "COP29-IEA High-Level Energy Transition Dialogue" in New York, USA on the margins of the 79^th session of the General Assembly if the United Nations. This dialogue marks a significant step toward consensus-building on energy outcomes for COP29, with global leaders as well as climate and energy experts aligning on priorities to promote international cooperation and support developing nations in achieving the COP28 energy goals. The outcomes of these discussions will feed directly into preparations for COP29, where energy transitions remain a central theme in the global climate agenda.

H.E. Dr Amani Abou-Zeid, African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy stressed on the critical importance of mobilising investments and enhancing technological capabilities to support Africa's ambitious renewable energy targets. “To achieve our goal of adding over 100 GW of new renewable energy capacity by 2030, we must streamline international partnerships and ensure transparent financing mechanisms are in place. The time for action is now”, she said.

Highlighting the continent’s challenges, Commissioner Abou-Zeid noted that Africa's current energy transition ambitions require significant investment—estimated at nearly $1.3 trillion for the Continental Power Systems Masterplan by 2040. “COP29 must pave the way for concrete actions that not only elevate our ambitions but also facilitate the financial and technical support needed to turn these goals into reality,” she added.

The event featured opening remarks by H.E. Kadri Simson, European Union Commissioner for Energy who said: “We must continue this dialogue on the global transition away from fossil fuels, setting out what it means for it to be orderly and just”.  Dr Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), announced the release of IEA new report From Taking Stock to Taking Action, which outlines concrete steps for implementing the COP28 goals. “The report provides guidance on integrating these goals into national policies, ensuring countries can turn COP28 commitments into meaningful and concrete actions”, he said. H.E. Mukhtar Babayev, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Ecology and President-Designate of COP29 announced three key initiatives from the COP29 Presidency’s Action Agenda to turn COP28 outcomes into tangible energy solutions. “We must encourage encouraging everyone to sign up to the Energy Storage and Grids Declaration, the Green Energy Zones and Corridors Declaration, and the Hydrogen Declaration” he urged.

As preparations for COP29 continue, the African Union remains committed to fostering a resilient and sustainable energy future, advocating for actionable strategies that empower developing countries and enable them to fully participate in global climate efforts.

For further information please contact:

1. Ms. Esther Azaa Tankou | Head, Media and Information Division, Communication Adviser, Permanent Observer Mission to the UN | Information and Communications Directorate | E-mail: yamboue@africa-uinon.org , Cell: +251911361185 / +1 3478127195 (WhatsApp)
2. Ms. Bezayit Eyoel | Department of Infrastructure and Energy| African Union Commission| E-mail: bezayite@africa-union.org |
3. Mr. Gamal Eldin Ahmed A. Karrar | Senior Communication Officer | Information and Communication Directorate (ICD), African Union Commission | E-mail: GamalK@africa-union.org

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