Tunisia has concluded its participation in the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22, 2024. This global event provided Tunisia with an opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to climate issues and strengthen its presence on the international stage by offering innovative insights and engaging with pressing challenges. Tunisia's participation, organized by the Ministry of Environment in collaboration with several national entities, featured a diverse delegation including representatives from relevant ministries, civil society, the private sector, and youth activists in the environmental field. This diverse composition enabled Tunisia to present a comprehensive vision of the climate challenges it faces, especially in the context of global environmental and economic changes.

The focus of COP29, themed "Climate Finance," was on discussing mechanisms for funding climate adaptation projects and developing new policies to increase financial support for developing countries. In this context, Tunisia, through Minister of Environment Mr. Habib Abid, called for enhanced resources for the Green Climate Fund and the facilitation of technology transfer to developing nations. The minister emphasized the importance of international solidarity and climate finance as essential elements for helping developing countries achieve their climate goals during his speech at the conference.

Significant Tunisian Efforts at the Conference

Tunisia showcased its leadership by organizing an official workshop on November 16 that addressed challenges related to financing climate adaptation. Tunisia also presented innovative solutions for mobilizing the necessary financial resources to support local projects. Additionally, 11 workshops were held at the Tunisia pavilion, covering topics such as climate adaptation, strengthening the resilience of the health sector, water management, and sustainable agriculture.

As part of the side activities at COP29, a parallel event titled "Enhancing Resilience and Adaptation in the Health Sector to Climate Change in Tunisia: Achievements and Future Steps" was organized. The workshop, chaired by Minister of Environment Mr. Habib Abid, with remote participation by Minister of Health Mr. Mustafa Fergani, focused on key health aspects in the context of climate change. It served as a platform to showcase Tunisia’s efforts and achievements in adapting to the impacts of climate change in the health sector, as well as presenting the next strategic steps to enhance the sector's resilience.

In his speech, Minister Abid announced the initiatives integrated into Tunisia's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and its Strategy for Climate-Resilient Development (SNRCC), emphasizing the importance of inter-sectoral cooperation. Minister Fergani, for his part, highlighted the ministry's efforts to develop appropriate responses to climate change, including the establishment of a dedicated team for NDCs in health (NDC-Health) and the creation of a sectoral committee for climate governance, based on the ministerial decision of July 16, 2023. Furthermore, Tunisia has prepared a National Health Adaptation Plan (PNAS) in cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which will be integrated into the national adaptation plan (PNA).

Tunisia also organized a strategic parallel event to present its efforts in sustainable water management in the face of global climate challenges. The event aimed to exchange experiences, enhance dialogue among partner countries and international organizations, and develop innovative, sustainable solutions to ensure resilient water management, contributing to water security in Tunisia and addressing the negative impacts of climate change. This event highlighted the need for international cooperation to ensure water resource sustainability and the effective implementation of strategies, stressing the importance of investing in research and technology to secure water for future generations.

Among the other notable initiatives, a workshop was held on the contribution of children and youth to climate action, highlighting Tunisia's experiences in engaging emerging generations in addressing climate challenges. The TouMaLi project demonstrated the role of sustainable waste management in the tourism sector in combating marine pollution.

In addition to workshops and panel discussions, the Tunisian delegation held bilateral meetings with representatives of friendly and sister countries to strengthen environmental cooperation. They also held sessions with international financial and technical organizations to attract support for Tunisia and keep pace with global technological developments in addressing climate change.

The Minister of Environment Mr. Habib Abid met on November 16, 2024, with the Regional Director of the UNDP Tunisia Office, Mr. Abdullah Al-Dardari, to discuss cooperation opportunities in the climate field on the sidelines of COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. The meeting addressed several issues of mutual importance related to climate change adaptation and resilience building, the mechanisms available for implementing climate programs and projects, and the enhancement of cooperation between Tunisia and the UNDP to implement national climate policies at the regional and local levels, particularly the National Low-Carbon Development Strategy and the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), as well as opportunities to launch new projects based on priorities for each region.

The Minister Abid also met with Mrs Carol Chouchani Cherfan, Director of the Arab Center for Climate Policies and Head of the Climate Change and Natural Resource Sustainability Working Group at ESCWA, along with Mrs Radia Seddawi, a representative of the same centre. The meeting focused on opportunities for cooperation to support the implementation of climate policies in Tunisia, particularly in mitigation, adaptation, and enhancing resilience to climate change through concrete actions. The parties also discussed ways to improve and facilitate access to international climate finance, primarily through the Green Climate Fund (GCF), to support technical workshops and training sessions to strengthen local capacities and prepare priority projects. Additionally, discussions covered enhanced cooperation with ESCWA’s "Riccar" centre to prepare studies on climate vulnerability in Tunisia’s most affected regions. This will help improve understanding of climate change impacts and identify effective regional and local adaptation strategies.

Regarding enhancing cooperation to implement Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), Minister Abid met with the NDC Partnership to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation for implementing NDCs to support Tunisia's efforts in adapting to and building resilience against climate change challenges. The meeting was attended by Mr. Pablo Vieira, the NDC Partnership's Executive Director, Mrs. Mariana Panoucho, Director of Country Engagement, and Mr. Mohamed Bousaid, Middle East, North Africa, and Francophone Africa Regional Manager. The meeting focused on possible cooperation opportunities and strengthening technical support programs, particularly in climate finance, and organizing the second investment forum for priority projects to implement NDCs, scheduled for July 2025.

Ongoing Commitment to a Sustainable Future

These meetings confirm Tunisia's engagement in enhancing international and regional efforts for climate action based on an approach that emphasizes justice and inclusiveness. With the conclusion of COP29, Tunisia has demonstrated its determination to continue advancing its ambitious national climate goals. While challenges remain in financing and technology transfer, Tunisia’s active participation in this conference reflects its desire to be part of global solutions to combat climate change, ensuring its resources' sustainability and achieving balanced development that considers environmental, social, and economic dimensions.

As a country facing significant climate challenges, Tunisia has reinforced its position as an active player in international climate discussions, expressing its aspiration for continued international support to achieve its ambitious national goals.