Have Just returned from the G20 Summit In Rio, Mr. Guterres shared the resounding message he delivered there: an ambitious climate finance target is not only necessary but urgent.
“Failure is not an option”, he emphasized and warned that the results of inaction could be disastrous.
Just 24 hours ago COP29 nearing its conclusion in the Azerbaijani capital, negotiators are said to still be at odds over a new climate finance target to help developing countries fight flash floods, droughts, wildfires and other natural shocks. make human activities worse.
The first draft text of a potential outcome was released early on Thursday morning and received mixed reactions from government negotiating teams and civil society groups.
Divided into two parts, the draft is said to feature proposals from developing and developing countries, with some sticking points still unresolved, including funding targets.
‘The clock is ticking’
Emphasizing the urgency of this moment, the Secretary-General said: “The clock is ticking. COP29 has now come to an end.”
Although progress has been made and areas of convergence are emerging, significant differences remain, the UN chief continued.
However, he noted that without decisive action, the consequences could reach far beyond this summit, potentially undermining short-term efforts and further complicating preparations for COP30 in Brazil .
“Failure could jeopardize both short-term action and ambition in preparing new national climate action plans,” Mr. Guterres warned, adding that it could accelerate the approach to irreversible climate tipping points.
The path forward is clear
The Secretary-General emphasized the critical need for an ambitious new climate finance target: a comprehensive financial package designed to mobilize resources for developing countries, allowing them to implement their plans. Climate action is consistent with the 1.5 degree Celsius target.
He emphasized the importance of funding initiatives that support countries transitioning to clean, affordable energy while reducing emissions.
Additionally, he emphasized the need to strengthen disaster resilience by ensuring funding to protect vulnerable populations from the escalating impacts of climate disasters. Restoring trust between countries is also a focus, with calls to build solidarity through international cooperation within the framework of the Agreement. Paris Agreement.
Mr. Guterres emphasized the importance of this agreement as more than just a simple negotiation. “This is COP to bring justice in the face of climate disaster,” he said.
An investment, not a grant
Challenging the view of climate finance as a form of charity, the UN chief said it is an important investment in the future of the planet. “It is a down payment on a safer, more prosperous future for every country on Earth,” he asserted.
He reiterated that multilateral development banks have committed to increasing their climate finance to $120 billion annually by 2030, with an additional $65 billion mobilized from the private sector.
Meanwhile, Pact for the future – adopted by the 193-member United Nations General Assembly in New York last September – commits to improving access to finance and increasing the lending capacity of development banks.
A call for solidarity
Recognizing that geopolitical divisions could undermine progress, the Secretary-General called on leaders and negotiators to “soften their hard lines,” moderate their differences and “ keeping an eye on the bigger picture.”
Calling for solidarity and reminding all sides of what is at stake – a livable planet for future generations – he declared: “Never forget what is at stake…This is not must be a zero-sum game.”
Bring to all humanity
Concluding his remarks, Mr. Guterres said: “The need is urgent. The reward is huge. And time is short.”
He emphasized that COP29 must benefit not only those in the hall but also humanity as a whole.
In addition to the Secretary-General’s press conference and the ongoing intense negotiations, discussions at COP29 today also highlighted the special importance of gender equality in fighting the climate crisis.
Participants of the high-level event on Gender Transparency, highlight of ‘Gender Day’ at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.
A high-level session on gender and transparency highlighted the need to integrate gender considerations into climate policies.
Women, especially in low-income and marginalized communities, often bear the brunt of climate-induced disasters due to their roles as primary caregivers and food providers.
Meanwhile, in many areas, their limited access to resources, education and decision-making power deepens their vulnerability. Women often shoulder the burden of securing water, food and fuel for their families, often at great personal risk.
By ensuring that women have equal access to resources, education, and opportunities to participate in climate solutions, it is possible to create more effective and sustainable strategies for mitigation and adapting to the impacts of our rapidly warming planet.
Jemimah Njuki, Head of Economic Empowerment at UN Women, spoke to UN News at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.
‘200 million hours of water collection’
“Women and girls in sub-Saharan Africa are spending 200 million hours [daily] just getting water,” said Jemimah Njuki, Director of Economic Empowerment and Head of Economics at United Nations Womenin an interview with UN News.
“To put this into context, this equates to the entire UK workforce in working hours per day.”
Ms. Njuki said women and girls are more likely to face food insecurity due to climate change.
“Our analysis has shown us that under the worst climate scenario, 236 million more women and girls will become food insecure and 158 million more women will be food insecure,” she warned. and girls will fall into poverty.” significantly increase the unpaid care work performed by women and girls.”
While noting that there have been significant advances in girls’ education, reductions in maternal mortality, and reductions in child mortality, she emphasized that at the same time, “we are witnessing see major obstacles to women’s rights”.
With all this in mind, Ms. Njuki emphasized the vital importance of the COP29 results for gender equality.
“As people working on gender equality, we are not just concerned about the quantity of climate finance but also about its quality,” she said.
She poses some questions that negotiators might consider: “How do we make financing more gender-responsive? How do we ensure that we are directing funds towards gender equality issues? How do we ensure that feminist movements, indigenous movements and women working on climate action can actually access this funding?”
Dr. Jessica Hernandez (Binnizá & Maya Ch’orti’) is a scholar, scientist, and Indigenous community advocate based in the Pacific Northwest.
Indigenous women and land rights
UN News also spoke with Jessica Hernandez, an Indigenous scholar, scientist and community advocate based in the Pacific Northwest. In her current role at Landesa, a nonprofit organization, she advocates for the rights and land ownership of indigenous peoples in the Global South.
“One of our goals at COP29 is to advocate for the inclusion of land and land rights in nationally determined contributions (NDCs),” she said.
“We know that 2.5 billion people in rural and indigenous communities around the world already protect these ecosystems, especially land ecosystems that are critical for human survival. .”
Ms. Hernandez is recognized by Forbes magazine is one of the 100 most powerful and influential women in Central America, highlighting the important role of indigenous women in sustainable land and resource management and food security.
“Unfortunately, only a small portion of this land is legally recognized, leaving these communities vulnerable to exploitation and without the necessary foundation for long-term planning and access to services,” she added. government service”.
says Carolina Santos from Engajamundo, a youth-led civil society organization in Brazil UN News“I want to see more women and girls taking leadership roles in discussions about land rights and access to climate finance, because their agency is also at risk when faced with climate crisis.”
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