In Baku, Azerbaijan, UNOPS Executive Director Jorge Moreira da Silva led a delegation of experts and leaders that engaged in over 50 high-level events and dialogues focused on bridging the implementation gap and accelerating climate action.

"Climate action is not just a promise; it is a responsibility," said Jorge Moreira da Silva.

"At UNOPS, we deliver practical solutions that empower nations to transition toward a sustainable, low-carbon future while ensuring no one is left behind," he added.

Across the UNOPS delegation, one message was clear: To achieve ambitious climate goals requires translating commitments into robust action. UNOPS is committed to providing the practical solutions needed to ensure partners and communities can make that happen.

During the conference, Executive Director Moreira da Silva engaged in high-level discussions and forged new partnerships that will drive climate action forward – from government ministers, global leaders to key stakeholders – stressing the need for increased ambition in climate finance and for a just transition to low-carbon economies.

Jorge Moreira da Silva also represented UNOPS at key events, where he underscored the importance of moving from pledges to real action. He called for greater South-South cooperation in tackling shared challenges, and highlighted the transformative impact of renewable energy on healthcare systems in vulnerable regions.

UNOPS Deputy Executive Director for Delivery and Partnerships Kirstine Damkjær underscored the crucial role of sustainable procurement and innovative financing in combating the climate crisis at key events. Meetings held with partners, including the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, strengthened existing partnerships and generated new collaborations to drive collective action on climate change.

A flagship event co-hosted with UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre (UNEP-CCC) brought together leaders to discuss actionable steps for securing climate finance and ensuring vulnerable nations receive the necessary support they need to meet their climate goals.

In support of the Santiago network for loss and damage – co-hosted by UNDRR and UNOPS – Director of UNOPS Global Portfolios Émilie Potvin addressed the COP29 Presidency. She underscored UNOPS commitment to supporting the network which plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between climate-vulnerable countries and the technical assistance needed to address loss and damage caused by climate change.

Championing decarbonization and circularity in the building sector, UNOPS Head of Strategic Initiatives Samantha Stratton-Short helped launch a national circularity assessment toolkit at COP29 together with partners, as well as the ‘Climate action roadmaps for buildings and construction’. The toolkit aims to empower countries to measure and implement circularity within the building and construction sector, while the roadmaps provide step-by-step guidance for countries to decarbonize their building sectors.

Additionally, UNOPS Director of Procurement Anne-Claire Howard spoke about the transformative role that sustainable public procurement can play in building resilience, driving climate action and advancing progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

UNOPS regional representatives played a key role in COP29 events, sharing their expertise and collaborating with partners to strengthen climate resilience in vulnerable countries. Discussions focused on the particular needs of the Pacific and Small Island Developing States, as well as strategies for building climate resilience in fragile and conflict-affected contexts in the Middle East, Africa and beyond.

From its headquarters in Copenhagen, UNOPS also hosted a COP29 Climathon, bringing together young innovators and entrepreneurs to generate creative solutions to pressing climate challenges. The Climathon underscored the vital role of youth in driving climate action and showcased their potential to contribute to a sustainable future.

“Addressing challenges related to the climate crisis requires not only reducing emissions but also ensuring that vulnerable communities are equipped to withstand future shocks,” said Émilie Potvin in her opening remarks.

“Young people are especially critical to this effort as they face the harshest consequences of inaction but you should be empowered to lead us towards a sustainable future,” she added.

In addition, UNOPS demonstrated its diverse expertise and commitment to climate action through the active participation of its hosted and managed entities at COP29. The Initiative for Climate Action Transparency supported countries in enhancing transparency in their climate commitments, while the NDC Partnership facilitated collaboration to deliver on national climate plans. Cities Alliance promoted sustainable urban development, and the Santiago network focused on addressing loss and damage caused by climate change.

As COP29 comes to a close, UNOPS remains resolute in our mission to advance climate action and deliver impactful solutions that benefit communities and the planet – ensuring no one is left behind.