Ms. Mohammed spoke to young climate and environmental activists there as part of her two-day business trip to the Central American country, which ends on Tuesday.
“The United Nations belongs to you, young people,” she speaks.
“We have to connect the climate negotiations to what is happening in the world. We must fight to strengthen democracy, and participate in the vote, because ultimately democracy is climate action.”
During their exchange, activists expressed concern about the impact of climate change on the most excluded populations.
Youth speaks out
They assured the UN second-in-command that young people are increasingly speaking out and campaigning more to demand that countries comply with international agreements.
Sara Cognuck, one of the young environmental leaders, said: “We have to be more ambitious, moving faster for the environment and the climate, but we also need the world to recognize, value and give space where we can. young people deserve to be in the climate negotiations. .
Ms. Mohammed called on young people to strengthen the way they organize around issues and identify ways to fund their causes, to ensure that their voices and actions reach every corner of the world. bridge.
For the UN, climate change is an important issue of our time, and it was prominently displayed in her discussions with Costan Rican officials, civil society and others. .
Promote joint cooperation
On Monday, Ms. Mohammed met with President Carlos Alvarado and Vice President, Epsy Campbell to identify and promote joint cooperation on environmental protection, climate mitigation and adaptation, and to provide financing for development required by developing countries.
They further looked at how to strengthen actions to serve the most vulnerable populations, such as people of African descent, women, indigenous peoples, migrants, asylum seekers, children and teenagers.
The Deputy Secretary-General’s visit also highlighted Costa Rica’s leadership role in mobilizing development finance for middle-income countries, and achieving debt forgiveness, particularly in the context of COVID-19 Disease.
ONU Costa Rica / Danilo Mora
United Nations Under-Secretary-General Amina Mohammed (left), meets Lennin Céspedes, who works at the Las Pailas Geothermal Plant in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.
Scaling solutions
The crisis is setting the stage for global efforts to achieve Sustainable development goals (SDGs) are at risk. Ms. Mohammed stressed the need for urgent and ambitious action.
“We need to scale with solutions and overcome the obstacles that lie ahead. The United Nations is committed to accompanying Costa Rica on this journey to deliver on the promises of the SDGs,” she speaks.
Ms. Mohammed also discussed Costa Rica’s proposal for the COVID-19 Economic Relief Fund (CFE) and similar initiatives to expand the financial space there and in middle-income countries. for a green, comprehensive and sustainable recovery.
The discussions also covered innovative financial instruments, including so-called “blue” and “green” bonds, and tailored investments in strategic areas such as insurance. social assistance and “green” jobs to enhance future resilience.
Linking decarbonization efforts to an equitable transition is also a focus ahead of the next United Nations climate change conference, COP27, which will take place in Cairo next year.
Costa Rica in action
During her duties, Ms. Mohammed also held several meetings with government ministers and leaders from the Central Bank and in areas such as public finance and the private sector, to support the country. in an effort to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
“Costa Rica has taken action to tackle climate change and increase clean energy production with most of its electricity coming from renewable sources. It has also managed to protect biodiversity rights and reverse deforestation, to the point where today 59% of its territory is covered with forests,” said Ms.
She describes the country as “an example to show the region and the world that under no circumstances can we abandon our goals and agreements on climate and sustainable development”.
Meet the local community
Ms. Mohammed stopped by the Las Pailas geothermal plant in Liberia Guanacaste, where she observed Costa Rica’s progress in securing a renewable electricity matrix that now covers more than 99% of the population.
She also visited women community leaders from Cuajiniquil, Guanacaste, who are working to conserve mangroves, not only as a measure to protect the environment but also to ensure sustainable livelihoods.
ONU Costa Rica / Danilo Mora
UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed (right) visits the Cuajiniquil mangrove forest in Guanacaste, Costa, Rica, to speak with female leaders who are working to protect it.
At the community of 25 de Julio in Hatillo de San José, Ms. Mohammed met migrants and asylum seekers and expressed support for Costa Rica’s efforts to integrate them. .
She also visited Freedom Park, located in the community of Desamparados, a space focused on local inclusion and environmental protection. It was there that she had a dialogue with young environmentalists.
UN Garden
Ms. Mohammed also planted trees, inaugurating the UN Garden at the park, and thus affirming her commitment to young people and vulnerable communities in Costa Rica and around the world.
Finally, the Deputy Minister also emphasized the commitment of the United Nations in organizing the Sustainable Development Forum with Costa Rica in March.
The event will bring together leaders from the sector, the private sector and civil society, to identify innovative responses to drive Agenda 2030 in Latin America and the Caribbean.
