In a surprising turn, key world leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, will not attend this year’s United Nations climate change summit, COP29, set to take place in Baku, Azerbaijan from November 11. This absence could impact the summit’s agenda and discussions as nearly 200 countries prepare to negotiate substantial increases in global climate funding.
Ursula von der Leyen’s nonattendance was confirmed by a spokesperson for the European Commission, citing her need to oversee critical developments in Brussels, where EU lawmakers are currently reviewing her proposed new European Commission members. “The Commission is in a transition phase and the president will therefore focus on her institutional duties,” the spokesperson explained.
For U.S. President Joe Biden, the timing of COP29, just days after the U.S. presidential election, poses a scheduling conflict. Concerns loom over the summit, especially with the prospect of Republican candidate Donald Trump, known for withdrawing the U.S. from the Paris climate agreement in 2017, potentially winning the election. Climate advocates warn that a Trump victory could complicate efforts to secure the significant financial commitments necessary for meeting CO2-cutting targets.
In Brazil, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who had been expected to make an appearance, canceled his participation due to a recent head injury. Traditionally, the presence of global leaders at COP gatherings has lent weight to climate talks, with announcements of new policies and funding pledges aimed at bolstering the fight against climate change. However, the absence of these prominent figures casts uncertainty over COP29’s ability to yield robust outcomes amidst pressing climate challenges.
