Greece Promotes ‘Green’ Agenda at COP29 Climate Change Conference

Deputy Minister of Maritime Affairs Stefanos Gkikas speaking at COP29. Photo source: Shipping Ministry

Greece, as a global leader in shipping, is committed to driving the decarbonization of the sector within the framework of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), stated Stefanos Gkikas, the country’s Deputy Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, at the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP-29) in Baku.

Deputy Minister Gkikas was part of the Greek delegation, led by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who visited Azerbaijan in mid-November for the conference.

Green shipping and innovative initiatives

Gkikas participated in a panel discussion titled “Riding the Wave: The Race to Build the World’s First Net Zero Fleet,” where he outlined the Greek Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy’s policies and initiatives for the green transformation of the shipping sector.

Photo source: Shipping Ministry

He specifically highlighted Greece’s efforts in implementing “green” ships for coastal shipping and developing “green” port infrastructures, such as “cold ironing” facilities that reduce emissions.

Additionally, Gkikas presented the “GR-eco Islands” program, an innovative Greek government initiative aimed at transforming 40 Greek islands into sustainable, eco-friendly destinations. This program offers multiple benefits for both island residents and visitors.

The role of collaboration in green transformation

Acknowledging the significant costs involved in the green transformation of shipping, Gkikas emphasized that collaboration between the private sector—particularly energy and shipping companies—and governments, along with international organizations, is crucial for success.

Geopolitics and environmental challenges

Photo source: Shipping Ministry

At the conference, Gkikas also participated in a discussion at the Greek stand on “Geopolitics and the Environment in the Southeastern Mediterranean.” The session included energy ministers and deputy ministers from several Balkan countries, as well as Jeffrey Pyatt, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State for Energy Resources and former U.S. Ambassador to Greece. The discussion was coordinated by Alexandra Sdoukou, Greece’s Deputy Minister for the Environment and Energy.

During the discussion, Gkikas addressed the geopolitical challenges facing the world, including the war in Ukraine and the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. He reiterated Greece’s support for an international order based on the rule of law and emphasized the country’s approach to managing illegal immigration in the southeastern Mediterranean, stating that “Greece follows a strict but fair immigration policy with respect to human rights”.

Strengthening bilateral relations

Shipping Minister Stefanos Gikas with his Azerbaijani counterpart Elmin Mammadov. Photo source: Shipping Ministry

During his visit to Baku, Deputy Minister Gkikas also held a bilateral meeting with Elmin Mammadov, Azerbaijan’s Deputy Minister for Digital Development and Transportation. The two officials discussed further cooperation between their countries, particularly in the digitalization of shipping, seafarer training, and the development of “green” ports.

Gkikas also met with Taleh Yiyadov, CEO of the Baku Port Authority, to explore opportunities for future bilateral collaboration in the maritime sector.