Cultural Showcases at COP29 Amid Stalled Climate Finance Negotiations
Reuters
COP29's venue buzzed with cultural displays as countries set up pavilions offering unique experiences. Delegates and visitors lined up to sample free beverages, watch dance performances, and engage in virtual reality games.
Azerbaijan’s pavilion featured traditional tea served by staff in cultural attire, while Portugal’s stand offered a virtual surfing experience, adding a festive touch to the otherwise intense summit atmosphere.
However, behind the cultural celebrations, key negotiations on climate finance are continuing. A central focus of COP29 is whether wealthier nations, development lenders, and the private sector can agree on a new annual target to help developing countries finance their transition to greener energy and adapt to climate change.
Despite these discussions being critical to the summit’s success, progress is slow, with significant disagreements still lingering. EU officials expressed concern that negotiations were "way off" from reaching an agreement on the financial commitments needed.
Meanwhile, activists outside the venue staged protests, demanding that developed nations increase their financial support for poorer countries struggling to address the impacts of climate change.
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