The COP29-negotiations in Baku: Political communication as a strategic tool during multilateral climate negotiations
Author
Hansen, Astrid Nørby
Term
4. semester
Education
Publication year
2025
Submitted on
2025-05-28
Pages
47
Abstract
Denne afhandling undersøger, hvordan politisk kommunikation anvendes strategisk i multilaterale klimaforhandlinger med fokus på COP29 i Baku, der blev gennemført i en finansorienteret og omstridt kontekst. Med afsæt i litteratur om strategisk politisk kommunikation og politisk public relations anvender studiet kritisk diskursanalyse (Faircloughs tredimensionelle model) af udvalgte taler og erklæringer fra FN’s klimasekretariat samt fra delegationer fra små østatlige udviklingslande (SIDS) og industrialiserede lande i det Globale Nord. Afhandlingens kerne spørgsmål er, hvordan disse grupper indrammer deres klimaagendaer og positionerer sig i forhandlingslandskabet. Analysen peger på en tydelig diskursiv kløft: SIDS artikulerer ofte følelsesladede og presserende fortællinger forankret i sårbarhed og klimaretfærdighed, mens udviklede lande typisk kommunikerer mere teknokratisk og magt- og løsningsorienteret med vægt på innovation, lederskab og klimahandling som mulighed. Begge parter appellerer i nogen grad til solidaritet, men strategierne blotlægger underliggende asymmetrier i magt, ressourcer, prioriteringer og klimasårbarhed. Afhandlingen argumenterer for, at strategisk framing ikke blot afspejler geopolitiske realiteter, men også er med til at forme forhandlingsdynamikker og politiske resultater. Den peger desuden på, hvordan delegationer kan omsætte indsigterne til skarpere kommunikationsstrategier, stærkere partnerskaber og bedre tilpasning til Parisaftalens langsigtede mål. Overordnet understreges det, at sprogets strategiske brug er central i klimaforhandlinger, hvor tålmodighed er nødvendig for at omsætte små fremskridt til varige resultater.
This thesis examines how political communication operates as a strategic tool in multilateral climate negotiations, focusing on COP29 in Baku, which unfolded in a finance-focused and contested setting. Drawing on work in strategic political communication and political public relations, the study applies Critical Discourse Analysis (Fairclough’s three-dimensional model) to selected speeches and statements from the UNFCCC Secretariat and from delegations representing Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and industrialized countries in the Global North. The core question is how these groups frame their climate agendas and position themselves within the negotiation landscape. The analysis identifies a clear discursive divide: SIDS frequently employ emotive and urgent narratives grounded in vulnerability and climate justice, whereas developed countries tend to adopt a more technocratic, power- and solution-oriented narrative emphasizing innovation, leadership, and climate responsibility as opportunity. While both invoke solidarity to some extent, their communicative strategies expose underlying asymmetries in power, resources, priorities, and climate vulnerability. The thesis argues that such strategic framing not only reflects geopolitical realities but also shapes negotiation dynamics and political outcomes. It further outlines how delegations can translate these insights into refined communication strategies, stronger partnerships, and outcomes more closely aligned with the Paris Agreement’s long-term objectives. Overall, the study underscores that the strategic use of language is central to climate negotiations, where patience is required to turn incremental progress into lasting gains.
[This abstract was generated with the help of AI]
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