Reflections on COP29: VITO’s contribution to global climate solutions

Small steps, big impact  

The 29th UN Climate Conference (COP29) in Baku was full of ambition and cooperation, but also highlighted the complexity of the path to a more sustainable world. While countries renewed pledges to limit global warming to 1.5°C, a firm decision on phasing out fossil fuels remained absent. Still, there were bright spots: an international carbon market was established and an agreement was made to mobilise $300 billion a year for climate finance by 2035. A big leap forward, but not nearly enough, according to experts, to actually meet the global climate goals.  

However, the conference is not just a platform for formal negotiations. It’s a dynamic meeting place where scientists, business, NGOs, and governments come together to share solutions and exchange ideas. This is where VITO thrives: at the heart of the discussions. For us, the climate conference is not just about lofty statements, but about working together on concrete steps towards a better future.

VITO at COP29  

This year too, VITO actively contributed to the conference by organising its own events and participating in panel discussions to share insights and expertise.  

Organising our own initiatives

Together with partners such as Enabel and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, we co-hosted a successful Team Belgium networking event. This event brought together international leaders, including Belgium’s Minister of Energy Tinne Van der Straeten, Joseph Ng’ang’a of the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, and Tom Hautekiet from the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. Discussions focused on the future of green hydrogen and strengthening the European partnerships that are essential for the energy transition.  

We also hosted a session on the water-energy-food nexus in the Belgian Pavilion. Key speakers included Willem Van de Voorde, Belgium’s Special Envoy for Climate and Environment, and Flemish Vice-Minister-President Melissa Depraetere. The session explored practical ways to implement the nexus concept and promote synergies between water, energy, and food security worldwide. A unique opportunity in which our Flemish expertise was put on the international map.  

Contributing to panel discussions  

As well as organising our own events, our experts took part in various panel discussions to share knowledge and present impactful projects. Some highlights:  

• Water and climate: Leen Govaerts spoke on a panel at the UNESCO Water Pavilion about the Capitan Taki project, which provides new solutions for water management in vulnerable regions. 

• Connecting science and policy: Ilke Geleyn highlighted how G-STIC brings together science, technology, and policy to create real impact. 

• Smart waste management: Jente Broeckx presented how projects such as Pavitra Ganga, convert waste into energy, bringing direct benefits to local communities. 

• Learning and innovating: Katrien van Hooydonck shared practical tools for systems thinking and explained how VITO develops technologies to protect ecosystems, such as Lake Tanganyika.

• Water-energy-food nexus: Carlos Guerrero Lucendo highlighted innovative projects in Africa that support sustainable agriculture and energy supply.  

Stronger together  

So, what key takeaways do we now bring back from COP29? First and foremost, the understanding that cooperation is crucial in the fight against climate change. The climate crisis requires the efforts of everyone – from governments to business, from scientists to citizens. But every step forward makes a difference, and every collaboration brings us closer to our goals.  

At VITO, we therefore believe that science, innovation, and partnerships are the true drivers of change. We remain committed to using our expertise to create solutions that mitigate the effects of climate change and pave the way for a sustainable future.

Curious about how we can support you as government, business, or citizen? Feel free to contact our International Programme and Strategy Coordinator, Maarten Pelgrims, who will be happy to assist you.