Top global leaders, including from the United States, European Union, and Brazil, are set to miss this year’s United Nations climate summit, COP29, which begins on November 11 in Baku, Azerbaijan. High-profile figures such as U.S. President Joe Biden, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva have announced they will not attend, with political and health reasons cited.
Key Absences at COP29 and Their Reasons
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s office cited pressing political duties in Brussels as the reason for her absence, particularly as EU lawmakers review members of her new European Commission, which will shape EU policies for the coming years. “The president will focus on her institutional responsibilities during this transition phase,” a spokesperson told Reuters.
President Biden will also skip COP29, as the event occurs just days after the U.S. presidential election. Additionally, Brazilian President Lula da Silva, recovering from a recent head injury, has canceled his trip as well.
Political Climate and Implications for COP29
COP29 will convene representatives from nearly 200 nations to push for an increase in climate funding aimed at reducing CO2 emissions globally. However, the U.S. election adds uncertainty to this year’s talks. Climate experts caution that a potential return of former President Donald Trump, who previously withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement, could complicate efforts to secure strong funding commitments.
Li Shuo, a climate diplomacy expert from the Asia Society Policy Institute, noted that while leader attendance is symbolic, substantial climate action and funding commitments from countries are what truly drive progress at these summits. “True leadership is shown through commitments, not just presence,” he said.
Other Global Players and EU Representation
China, Japan, Australia, and Mexico are also notably absent from the current lineup of speakers for COP29. However, the EU will be represented by European Council President Charles Michel and Wopke Hoekstra, the bloc’s climate policy chief, underscoring the EU’s ongoing commitment to climate goals.
Overlapping Global Summits
COP29 overlaps with the G20 summit in Brazil on November 18-19, where leaders are expected to address climate finance and the energy transition, suggesting that some climate-related discussions will continue on a parallel stage.
While high-profile absences may influence the summit’s atmosphere, the focus at COP29 will remain on fostering tangible commitments to climate finance and global emissions reductions.
Stay connected to know more on arcnews.online for global news like Major World Leaders to Skip COP29 Climate Summit in Azerbaijan. For videos updates visit our YouTube. Do subscribe to Arcnews to get latest updates directly in your mail box.
Have A Great Day.
