The second day of COP 29 in Baku focused on high-level discussions to enhance global climate action, following the momentum of the opening day. World leaders and key stakeholders engaged in dialogues aimed at pushing national commitments further to meet the Paris Agreement targets. This included reviewing and enhancing each country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to reinforce commitments on greenhouse gas reductions, adaptation, and biodiversity conservation.

A major part of the discussion centered around the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) for climate financing, an initiative to make financial flows more transparent and responsive to the needs of developing countries, which often face the heaviest impacts of climate change. Leaders agreed that meaningful climate action requires not only ambitious national plans but also reliable funding for adaptation measures. The day also featured a collaborative summit on reducing methane and other non-CO₂ emissions, led by the U.S. and China, highlighting the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to greenhouse gas reduction.

The concept of a “just transition” took a front seat in conversations as leaders outlined plans to support communities shifting away from fossil fuel industries. Such frameworks would prioritize social equity, aiming to create sustainable jobs and invest in green skills for a low-carbon future. These discussions lay a strong foundation for the upcoming COP 29 theme days, which will dive into critical topics such as finance, technology, and human development, as well as the intersections of climate action, social equity, and economic growth.