An Invoice for Climate Justice – Why COP29 President’s gesture at COP30 matters for Africa and Ghana

Today, during the opening ceremony of #COP30 in Belém, Brazil, Mukhtar Babayev, President of #COP29 and Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan did something powerful, he held up a physical invoice addressed to developed nations.

Walk with me…

This “invoice” was a visual demand for accountability, a reminder of the broken promises surrounding the $100 billion annual climate finance pledge that was meant to support developing countries in tackling climate change.

“We are presenting donors with this invoice… It covers what donors have already promised.”

He called for doubling adaptation finance by the end of 2025, tripling UN climate funds by 2030, and delivering the $300 billion commitment by 2035, all of which are essential to maintaining trust and progress in the global climate process.

As a climate journalist and activist from Ghana, attending #COP30 virtually, I found this moment especially significant. Africa, and Ghana in particular, stand at the crossroads of ambition and vulnerability.

We have some of the least carbon footprints yet face some of the harshest climate realities, from coastal erosion in Keta to droughts in the north.

Babayev’s “invoice diplomacy” reframes the conversation. It’s not about charity; it’s about fairness and follow-through.

If developed nations can be reminded of their financial responsibilities in tangible, trackable terms, then maybe the system of trust and delivery that climate action depends on can finally take root.

This gesture signals a shift from polite appeals to practical accountability, something Africa has been waiting for since the first climate finance promises were made.

Good luck to us all!

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The author, Kenneth Awotwe Darko is a multimedia journalist, climate change and sustainability enthusiast. He is also a member of the Africa Youth Negotiators Fellowship.

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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.