Experts raise concerns over key world leaders skipping COP29

Major world powers including the US, China, and India have not sought speaking slots for their heads of state or government at the upcoming UN Climate Conference (COP29) World Leaders Climate Action Summit, scheduled for November 12-13 in Baku, Azerbaijan, indicating high-profile absences that climate experts see as a worrying sign.

- Jayashree Nandi and Rezaul Laskar

While national delegations will continue to attend and negotiate a new climate finance deal during the November 11-22 conference, experts worry that without top leaders from major carbon-emitting nations present, critical discussions on the climate crisis could be undermined.

Earlier this week, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's cancelled participation. India's participation will likely be led by minister of state for external affairs and environment Kirti Vardhan Singh, rather than environment minister Bhupinder Yadav, according to officials familiar with the matter. Yadav is BJP's in charge for Maharashtra elections. Officials said Yadav is expected to be busy during ahead of elections and hence is unlikely to attend COP.

The decision appears influenced by both scheduling conflicts and frosty diplomatic relations between India and Azerbaijan. The situation is further complicated by the political transition in the US, where the Biden administration's effectiveness has been diminished following Donald Trump's election victory. Trump's previous scepticism toward climate initiatives has raised concerns about future US commitment to climate action.