United Nations in India

India is critical in determining the success of the SDGs, globally. At the UN Sustainable Development Summit in 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted, “Sustainable development of one-sixth of humanity will be of great consequence to the world and our beautiful planet. It will be a world of fewer challenges and greater hope; and, more confident of its success”. NITI Aayog, the Government of India’s premier think tank, has been entrusted with the task of coordinating the SDGs, mapping schemes related to the SDGs and their targets, and identifying lead and supporting ministries for each target. In addition, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has been leading discussions for developing national indicators for the SDGs. State governments are key to India’s progress on the SDGs as they are best placed to ‘put people first’ and to ensuring that ‘no one is left behind’. The UN Country Team in India supports NITI Aayog, Union ministries and state governments in their efforts to address the interconnectedness of the goals, to ensure that no one is left behind and to advocate for adequate financing to achieve the SDGs.

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16 June 2023

UNSDCF 2023-2027

GoI-UNSDCF 2023-2027 represents the UN development system’s collective offer to the Government of India, in line with the national vision for development, for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, promoting gender equality, youth empowerment and human rights. The United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/72/279 designates the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework as the principal planning and implementation instrument for the UN Development System at country level. Programme priorities of the UN entities working at the country are derived from the GoI-UNSDCF. Read the report here: https://digitallibrary.in.one.un.org/PdfViewer.aspx?FileName=8292_1.pdf&Resourcekey=Mz9rVEcrLsA=

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03 December 2023

Ability in Disability

The photo series titled "Ability in Disability” aligns with this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities theme, ‘United in action to rescue and achieve the SDGs for, with and by persons with disabilities’. The exhibit showcases 21 impactful narratives from the 'Everyone is Good at Something’ Campaign shedding light on the challenges and triumphs experienced by People with Disabilities across every Indian state and union territory, encompassing all 21 disabilities recognized under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act of 2016. Emphasizing on the individual rather than the disability, these photos illuminate the struggles and victories of relatively less-known persons with disabilities. Through the compelling portrayal of their daily lives, EGS aims to raise awareness about disability among the broader public, challenge preconceived notions and biases, and foster a more inclusive society that embraces diversity. Aman Kumar Mahto,14 years “I play with ball in school. Sometimes my mother makes my favourite chicken drumstick and aloo paratha”. Aman faces challenges in articulating his thoughts due to a speech impairment, but his mother, Sanu Devi adeptly deciphers his somewhat incoherent words when posed with questions. He says he likes school because he can play ball there, and that his classmate stole some of his tiffin! He loves chicken legs, instant noodles and aloo paratha. Aman, who has an intellectual disability**, is in Class 1 of the special school at the Deepshikha Institute of Child Development and Mental Health in Ranchi, Jharkhand. His mother Sanu Devi (33), a domestic worker, drops him off and picks him up from the school bus stop, 13 km from their home in Pithoria. Aman expresses his fondness for school, citing the enjoyment of playing ball and revealing a humorous incident where a classmate pilfered some of his lunch. His culinary preferences include a love for chicken legs, instant noodles, and aloo paratha. Sanu's life has been marked by hardship, particularly after being widowed at the age of 24. Constant harassment from her in-laws, possibly stemming from her background in a landless family, led to her eviction from their house. Struggling as a daily wage earner, her husband Mahesh succumbed to filariasis in 2012, a parasitic infection causing significant leg swelling. Sanu persevered with the support of her siblings, enduring periods of minimal or no meals while taking care of her two sons, Aman and Ankit (12 years). With a government grant and a private loan, she managed to build a home, and Aman's disability pension of Rs 1,000 lightens her financial burden and supports her childcare. Deepshikha Institute has also waived Aman's school fees. Aman, engrossed in cartoons and mobile games, may not fully comprehend the sacrifices his mother makes to provide him with the cherished chicken dishes he craves. Amir Hussain Lone “I’ve never celebrated my birthday. One should celebrate each new day, since one never knows what life has in store.” Amir Hussain Lone, a resident of Wagham village in Kashmir's Anantnag district, remains uncertain about his birth year, estimating it to be around 1989. However, he vividly recalls the fateful Sunday in 1997 when, as a young boy delivering lunch to his brother at his father's sawmill, a mechanical saw got entangled with his jacket, resulting in the loss of both his arms. Amir narrates his life experiences with a clarity as if they transpired yesterday. He recounts how villagers abandoned him but it was a neighbour who sought help from the nearby army camp, and soldiers transported him to a hospital in Baramullah. The financial strain on his family led to the sale of their land to fund his treatment. Emerging from years in the hospital, Amir faced discouragement from villagers, who suggested injecting him with poison, deeming him worthless. However, his cherished grandmother, Fazee (who passed away in 2010), provided unwavering support, soothing his troubled mind and encouraging him to attend school in Marhama village. Adapting gradually, Amir learned to use his feet for daily activities such as shaving, bathing, eating, drinking, and writing. Inspired by watching Sachin Tendulkar play on TV, he became a lifelong fan and took up cricket himself. Through hours of relentless practice, Amir mastered the art of bowling with two toes and batting by tucking the bat between his chin and shoulder. In 2016, he captained the J&K para cricket team, and in 2017, he received the Punjab Swabhimaan award. At the time of this conversation, Amir was preparing for an upcoming match in Anantnag the following day. His most treasured possession is a bat signed by Sachin, and his ultimate dream is to meet his "guru." Dr. Shanthipriya Siva, 50 years “Enjoy your ups, and have the courage to face your downs” Over the course of her life, Dr. Shanthipriya Siva (50), a resident of Chennai has taken on various roles – an ophthalmologist, an artist, an author, a model, and a motivational speaker. However, the role that has empowered her the most is that of being a Young-Onset Parkinson’s warrior. In the early months of 2010, Dr. Priya's husband, Dr. K. Siva (51), and her son, Dr. Khanishk (25), observed an unusual stiffness in her right arm while walking. Initially dismissing it as a gym-related sprain, she later faced the challenge of her right foot refusing to fit into her slipper. Seeking specialist opinions, neurologists confirmed Young-Onset Parkinson’s, an infrequent, progressive disorder occurring between the ages of 20 and 45. Moving from denial to acceptance, Priya embarked on a journey to comprehend and manage the disease, determined to assist others facing similar struggles. In 2019, she relinquished her medical practice and established the SAAR Foundation to raise awareness and aid in managing Parkinson’s. Attending the 5th World Parkinson’s Congress in Kyoto, she delved into abstract artistry and underwent Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery. DBS not only helped regulate symptoms and reduce medication but also triggered compulsive behavior. Priya began creating a new artwork every other day and commenced writing. Her painting, ‘Meraki,’ earned recognition at the London Art Biennale in July 2023. The previous year, she accomplished an inclusive trek up Kerala's Meesapulimala peak, the second-highest in the Western Ghats. Currently, Priya is working on her book, 'Living Well with Parkinson’s,' aiming to support individuals with Parkinson’s and their caregivers in coping with the challenges of the disease. “I don’t think that I’m disabled,” she asserts. “Parkinson’s has transformed me into an artist, an author. It has made me a better person.” Shekhar Naik, 36 years “Parents of visually impaired children should not hold them back. They should support their children by utilising the opportunities the government provides” Growing up in Shivamogga, Karnataka, Shekhar Naik (36) faced exclusion from childhood games due to his blindness. However, he defied these early challenges to become an exceptional cricketer, ultimately earning the national award for his achievements. Hailing from an agricultural background, Shekhar's blindness was hereditary, with his mother Jamila Bai, her parents, and several other relatives also affected. At the age of eight, a fall prompted a visit to a health center, where the possibility of partial vision recovery was mentioned. Rushed to Bengaluru, Shekhar underwent an operation that granted 40 percent vision to his right eye. Shekhar's education took place at Sri Sharada Devi Andhara Vikasa Kendra, a center for the blind providing free education and emphasizing sports and cultural activities. While mastering the veena and participating in Yakshagana, a traditional coastal Karnataka theatre form, cricket remained his primary passion. The Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI), an initiative of Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, identified his talent. Shekhar's cricketing journey unfolded progressively – from the state blind cricket team to the national team, earning accolades such as 'Man of the Match' and 'Man of the Series,' captaining the Indian team, and ultimately receiving the prestigious Padma Shree award. Shekhar tied the knot with Roopa K.C. while she was employed at Samarthanam, and they are parents to two daughters: Poorvika (12) and Sanvika (7). In 2019, he founded the Shekhar Naik Foundation to support budding blind cricketers. Despite the prospect of complete vision loss due to retinal pigmentation, Shekhar maintains, "Disability is not a weakness. It is one's strength." The Sheroes “Never look back. If you look back you will get stuck and you won’t be able to move forward” The vibrant ambience of Sheroes’ Hangout Café mirrors the resilience of the women who operate it. Their T-shirts proudly proclaim, “My beauty is my smile,” while the back carries a powerful message: “Stop acid attacks.” Among the ten female staff members, all of whom work in shifts, the five individuals we spoke to shared a common history of being attacked with acid during their teenage years, stemming from various tragic circumstances. Rukaiya Khathun (37) from Aligarh, who aspired to be a fashion designer, was attacked at 14 by her sister’s brother-in-law after she rejected his marriage proposal. Dolly (20), aspiring to become a doctor, endured an acid attack at the age of 13. Roopa (27) faced a similar fate at 14 when her stepmother poured acid on her face. Madhu (40) experienced an attack at 17 after rejecting a marriage proposal. Bala Prajapati (26) from Bijnor was attacked at 17 by a man seeking revenge after her mother spurned his advances. Beyond the isolation and depression that marked their lives, most of these women received no justice or compensation, and the financial barrier to multiple plastic surgeries was insurmountable. The restaurant, initiated by Alok Dixit, founder of the Chhanv Foundation, provided them with a newfound purpose. “I used to hide my face behind a burqa,” shares Rukaiya, “but now I am comfortable in jeans and a T-shirt.” She aspires to work in the café kitchen someday. Roopa dreams of designing and selling clothes online, while Dolly envisions opening a dance academy. Madhu, proficient in computer skills and fascinated with video editing (a skill acquired during the Foundation's training sessions in various disciplines amid the lockdown), has her own aspirations. Bala captures the sentiment of all the Sheroes, stating, “Life does not stop just because our faces are scarred.” For more stories, visit: www.everyoneisgoodatsomething.com More about India Inclusion Foundation: https://indiainclusionsummit.com To download these photos, visit: www.wephoto.in

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23 November 2023

Ensuring accessibility in Delhi’s parks

Delhi’s parks are the green jewels of the Indian capital, beloved by its residents. Now they should become more inclusive and accessible for persons with disabilities through an innovative training programme co-organized by the United Nations. Earlier this month the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) joined forces with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (SCPD) and the Centre for Accessibility in Built Environment (CABE) Foundation to hold a two-day course for 80 park officials from across the National Capital Territory of Delhi. The officials learned how to design and retrofit parks to make them more inclusive, especially for users with disabilities as well as older persons, women and children, and discuss how to operationalize these inclusive approaches in the parts of Delhi On the second day of the training, the participants visited Shahidi Park in the city centre and conducted an accessibility survey. They were divided into groups, with each group having at least one wheelchair user and one person simulating vision impairment to explore the park’s infrastructure and facilities. Mikiko Tanaka, Director and Head of the ESCAP Subregional Office for South and South-West Asia shared, “ESCAP mandates on disability inclusion affirm the importance of developing inclusive public spaces that are fully accessible for persons with disabilities – and of utilizing a universal design approach in achieving this objective. In this context, we stand ready to support park authorities in the design and retrofitting of selected public parks in Delhi.” The course was the first in a series of training sessions on designing inclusive green spaces across South and South-West Asia –based on a compendium on the topic developed by ESCAP.

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23 November 2023

Norway and WFP India ink partnership to help women farmers withstand climate change

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in India and the Norwegian Government have joined forces for a project aimed at supporting women smallholder farmers in the country’s northeastern state of Assam. Under the project, WFP will work closely with Assam’s state Government to equip smallholder farmers with adaptive farming practices, diversification, and livelihood expansion strategies to withstand the adverse effects of climate change in the long run. An initiative was signed on 15 November by Ms. Elisabeth Faure, WFP's Representative and Country Director in India, and Ms. Anne Beathe Tvinnereim, Minister of International Development for Norway. The signing took place in the presence of Mr. Franklin L. Khobung, Joint Secretary (NRM/RFS) from the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare in the Government of India. The initiative aims to pilot innovative strategies for climate-resilient agricultural practices. The goal is to create a scalable model that can be customised and implemented internationally, fostering South-South learning. Assam faces significant challenges due to its climate vulnerabilities. The state relies heavily on agriculture and has a sizable rural population. However, it struggles with a climate that oscillates between excessive rainfall and drought-like conditions. With an annual rainfall of almost 2,300 millimetres, well above the national average, Assam faces the dual threats of floods and minimal rainfall. Assam’s Government has made commendable efforts to support rural livelihoods through schemes such as the Assam State Rural Livelihoods Mission Society. However, there are still obstacles that hinder adaptation to climate change. These include a lack of measures that are tailored to address the specific impacts of climate change, limited financial capacity to adapt, and the inadequate provision of clear climate information to farmers. The vulnerability also extends to societal dynamics, particularly the disadvantaged position of women. The erosion of the matrilineal system and the prevalent patriarchy contribute to the marginalization of women, leading to lower literacy rates (77% compared to 84%) and a higher prevalence of anaemia (66% among women aged 15-49), further exacerbating the issue. The significance of climate-resilient agriculture in women's empowerment cannot be overstated. With women comprising 29% of the workforce in 2019 and a growing feminization of agriculture due to male outmigration, women farmers find themselves disproportionately exposed to climate risks. Despite their pivotal role in crop cultivation and livestock caregiving, women face challenges accessing resources and recognition. “Supporting communities, especially women, to safeguard their livelihoods and food security against the mounting impact of climate change is a priority for the Government of Norway. The partnership with WFP in India will also create a model for wider scale-up and expand learning in climate change adaptation,” said Ms. Tvinnereim. The partnership will involve various departments in Assam, including the Department of Agriculture, the State Rural Livelihoods Mission, and the Department of Meteorology and Environment. Moreover, local organisations will be approached for community mobilisation, including engaging with women's self-help groups and federations. WFP will also work with the Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research to access their expertise on climate-neutral and resilient farming systems relevant to the project worldwide. “The partnership with the Government of Norway is strategic and builds on the substantial technical expertise that WFP has in working with the national and state government and other stakeholders. The project will support vulnerable communities through nature-based solutions and a gender-transformative approach,” said Ms. Faure. WFP works together with various state governments across India to empower smallholder farmers to adapt to climate challenges. WFP partners with local authorities, such as the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment in the state of Odisha, to enhance farmers’ resilience and encourage practical actions towards sustainable agriculture.

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17 November 2023

India’s Circular Design Challenge helps drive sustainability in fashion

The designer sunglasses look innocuous enough, easy to imagine being worn by fashionistas in Delhi’s upscale Khan Market. But as Anish Malpani, the founder of Ashaya, the social enterprise behind the glasses, explains, the manufacture of these sunglasses saves tonnes of multi-layered plastics from ending up in landfills. That’s because these sunglasses are made of recycled materials extracted from the plastic in chip packets. Ashaya won the fifth annual Circular Design Challenge (CDC), an initiative of R|Elan, a textile innovation brand under Reliance Industries Limited, in partnership with the United Nations in India, Lakmé Fashion Week, and the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI). By winning Anish received funding worth 15 lakh rupees, a trophy, a six-month mentorship and a stand-alone showcase at Lakmé Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI in March next year. “The heart of what we do is circular,” Anish told the media later. “We’re focused on using waste and increasing the value of that waste. Design comes later and is only a tool for us.” CDC is India’s largest award for sustainable fashion, a platform for designers who embrace circularity as a key design principle. Ashaya and five other finalists showcased designs rooted in circularity, the elimination of waste, recycled materials, and the regeneration of nature to reduce the environmental and social costs of the textile and fashion industries. The need for transformative change in the industry is clear. Today, it is responsible for up to 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, or more than the aviation and shipping industries combined, and consumes around 4% of global fresh water, often in water-parched places. And while emissions must fall by 7.6% every year from 2020 to meet global commitments to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, emissions from the fashion industry are still increasing by 2.7% every year. Much of this pollution is driven by unsustainable production and consumption habits. Across the world, people are buying 60% more clothes and wearing them for half as long. And over the last 15 years, fashion consumption has more than doubled, while the number of times a garment is worn before being discarded has decreased by 36%. Garments are increasingly made from synthetic fibres, which are filling the world’s oceans with microplastics. The industry must therefore undergo a deep transformation to become sustainable. The fashion industry in India, a country with a deep history of reusing and repurposing textiles, from saris that have been handed down from generation to generation, to fabrics that have lost their shape being repurposed for household needs, is leading the way. CDC was launched in 2018 with the goal of supporting India in becoming a sustainable fashion hub. It was conceived in the spirit of Sustainable Development Goal 12, ‘"responsible consumption and production", reconciling sustainable environmental practices with the fashion and textile industry while promoting social and economic development. The Challenge builds on India’s comparative advantages. India is among the world’s largest producers of fibre crops, textiles and apparel, with a fashion industry that is estimated to grow to $190 billion by 2025-26, providing direct employment to 45 million people. India also accumulates 8.5% of global textile waste each year, meaning that driving sustainability in the Indian fashion industry will have a global impact. Speaking at the fifth CDC, held last month at UN House in New Delhi, Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator in India, said the initiative “demonstrates fashion can be a powerful driver for responsible production and consumption, weaving together style and sustainability. The CDC reflects the centrality of India as a leader in both sustainable culture and climate action. Where India, and its fashion industry goes, the world will increasingly follow.” The 2023 edition saw an expansion of the Challenge to designers and entrepreneurs in the UK, EU, and Asia–Pacific region, with new international partners including the British Council, the Instituto Marangoni, and the Redress Award. The Challenge is also strongly aligned with the principles of the global Mission Lifestyles for Environment (LiFE) movement, launched last year by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UN Secretary-General António Guterres. In a world where three-fifths of all clothing ends up in incinerators or landfills within a year of being manufactured, LiFE encourages consumers to move towards more responsible conservation and the sustainable use and regeneration of natural resources. As Minister of State Meenakshi Lekhi remarked at the Challenge, it is vital to make everyone – whether fashion designers or consumers -- responsible for their actions. “The intention is to increase positivity and work towards finding solutions, because that’s the very Indian way, of finding solutions, taking the middle path,” the Minister said. UNEP India, meanwhile, is working with relevant stakeholders including government, industry, civil society and educational institutes to mainstream sustainability and circularity in the textile sector in India. Some key initiatives include roadmap development of a sustainable hub in the Surat textile cluster, and the development of a sustainable fashion curriculum with the National Institutes of Fashion Technology

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Press Release

05 December 2023

International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and the Prevention of This Crime

Seventy-five years ago, in the wake of the horrors of the Holocaust, States adopted the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. The Convention embodied a new global commitment to ensure that “never again” should any person endure the horror of genocide. Sadly, we are in danger of forgetting the dark lessons of the past. In today’s world of deep division, mistrust and conflict, we remain confronted by the enduring menace of this atrocious crime. This year’s theme reminds us that the Convention and its timeless message must remain a living force in our world, calling us to uphold its solemn promise. Keeping this promise requires all governments ratifying and fully implementing the Convention, while ensuring that perpetrators are held to account. It requires a renewed global push to establish and strengthen prevention mechanisms, educate new generations about past genocides, and counter mis- and disinformation, which can fuel hate speech and genocidal intent and action. And it requires continuing to strengthen the efforts of the United Nations -- including the work of my Special Advisor on the Prevention of Genocide -- to identify early warning signs and sound the alarm. Together, let us translate our commitment into tangible action, and forever hold the memories of the victims and survivors of genocide in our hearts. [END] For more information and resources at the following link: https://www.un.org/en/observances/genocide-prevention-day

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Press Release

06 December 2023

World Climate Action Summit 2023 - COP28

We meet at a critical moment. Emissions continue to climb. Climate impacts continue to devastate. Fossil fuel companies continue to make massive profits. And people and planet continue to suffer. Now COP28 is about turning things around. But national governments cannot do it alone. Businesses, financial institutions, civil society, cities, states and regions are all critical in the race to net-zero. My Acceleration Agenda calls on governments and non-state actors to radically speed-up efforts to cut emissions. And my message to both is the same. Our world cannot afford delays, back-tracking or greenwashing. It’s time to move from promises to action. To concrete action. The report by my High-Level Expert Group on Net Zero, so well represented here, provides a blueprint for credible climate action by non-state actors that aligns with limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. To be credible, transition plans must include five key elements. First -- plans must cover all activities, across every link of value chains. Genuine decarbonization cannot be substituted with dubious offsets or carbon credits, in any scope of emissions.

Second -- plans must detail targets for 2025, 2030 and 2035. And these plans must be in line with science-based pathways to limit warming to 1.5 degrees. Third -- plans must disclose all lobbying, policy engagements and communication campaigns. We need to take every step to discourage greenwashing and ensure full transparency. Fourth -- plans must highlight efforts to change business models and internal operations to phase out fossil fuels. And fifth -- plans must outline a just, equitable and accelerated renewables transition. I’m encouraged by some initial steps to align transition plans with the High-Level Group’s recommendations. The Climate Ambition Summit in September spotlighted first movers and doers from business, financial institutions, cities and regions. Many of you are here today contributing with practical solutions. The UNFCCC is also working to bring consistency and transparency to how countries and companies report on their net-zero progress. And this is vital to helping consumers, investors and regulators understand what is credible and what is not. At the same time, I have heard concerns about the limitations of voluntary actions in the absence of clear policies and regulations. Let me be clear. Governments must lead the way. They can do so by incentivizing credible climate action and providing the certainty and predictability non-state actors desperately need. By designing and implementing policies, regulations and standards such as carbon pricing and ending fossil fuel subsidies. And by presenting ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions in 2025 that cover all economic activity and emissions, and are backed with the finance, technology and partnerships to make them possible. I encourage non-state leaders to demand a seat at the table as governments develop and implement those plans. With national governments and non-state actors working together -- we can drastically cut emissions and win the race to net zero. The recommendations of my expert group offer a clear, credible path forward and that is the path we must all take.
Now yesterday, some in the oil and gas industry made an announcement. On the one hand, the fossil fuel industry – the giant behind the climate crisis -- is finally starting to wake up. But the promises made clearly fall short of what is required. The commitment on the elimination of methane by 2030 is a step in the right direction. But the announcement to achieve net zero by 2050 says nothing about eliminating emissions from fossil fuel consumption – the so-called scope 3. Science is clear: we need to phase out fossil fuels within a timeframe compatible with limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. In addition, yesterday’s announcement provided no clarity on the pathway to reaching net zero by 2050 which is absolutely essential to ensure integrity – and integrity matters. As the expert group put it in their report, and I just mentioned, integrity really matters. So there must be no room for greenwashing. And this also applies to what has been announced yesterday. Let’s build regulatory frameworks that ensure credibility and accountability go hand in hand. Let’s leave this meeting with a renewed commitment to deliver the detailed and credible transition plans that our world needs. Thank you, all of you, for being part of this global common effort. [END]

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Press Release

06 December 2023

World Climate Action Summit 2023 - 03 Dec 2023

Before I begin, allow me to say a quick word about the announcement yesterday from several members of the oil and gas industry as this is the first public occasion in which I can do it. The fossil fuel industry – the giant behind the climate crisis -- is finally starting to wake up. But the promises made clearly fall short of what is required. The commitment on the elimination of methane by 2030 is a step in the right direction. But the announcement to achieve net zero by 2050 says nothing about eliminating emissions from fossil fuel consumption – the so-called scope 3. Science is clear: we need to phase out fossil fuels within a timeframe compatible with limiting global warming to 1.5 Celsius. In addition, yesterday’s announcement provided no clarity on the pathway to reaching net zero by 2050 which is absolutely essential to ensure integrity. There must be no room for greenwashing. We are here today, together to keep raising the bar on ambition and ensuring justice. In a world defined by escalating climate injustices, early warning systems are the most basic tool for saving lives and securing livelihoods. Yet too few people in the developing world have access to them. Half the world is still unprotected from natural hazards. Countries that are vulnerable to extreme weather, especially Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries, and the entire African continent, should have the highest rates of protection. But they are well below the global average. As the world continues to break all the wrong climate records, every moment of delay costs lives. 2023 will be the warmest year on record. To meet the 1.5-degree limit of the Paris Agreement, greenhouse gas emissions must fall 45 per cent by 2030, compared to 2010 levels. But under national plans that are currently known they are set to increase by 9 per cent. Delayed action means, quite simply, more deadly extreme weather events. More deaths. More destruction. And less ability to recover. Those on the front line of the climate crisis will continue to pay the highest price. We must both cut carbon pollution at an accelerated pace; and massively invest in protecting vulnerable people and communities from the impact of more frequent and severe climate-related events. The Early Warnings for All initiative to provide protection from hazardous weather, water or climate events by the end of 2027 is a proven and effective way to save lives and protect vulnerable communities. This is an ambitious goal – but it is achievable. To make it a reality, we need all hands-on deck – collaborating and cooperating in a way that has not been done before. I welcome the progress made over the past year. Greater coordination and collaboration among partners has achieved concrete results. I commend the political commitment and leadership of many governments in the first cohort of countries to advance the initiative. Maldives, Laos and Ethiopia now have dedicated national action plans and coordination structures in place. Benin has strengthened communications to reach communities at greatest risk. Fiji’s flash flood warning has been expanded to benefit nearly 1 million people. And I am encouraged by progress on finance, including new bilateral contributions and alignment with existing investments. All major multilateral development banks, the global climate funds and the key financing mechanisms have coalesced around the Early Warnings for All initiative. These commitments are essential and invaluable. All these developments bring us closer to making this ambitious goal a reality by 2027. But we still have a long way to go. In a world that is on a fast-track to 3 degrees Celsius, and where adaptation needs are huge and growing, climate vulnerability is bound to escalate. The estimated cost of this effort is just over $3 billion US dollars in total – a tiny fraction of the hundreds of billions made by the fossil fuel industry last year. I again call for a windfall tax on these profits, and for the money to be used to protect those suffering the worst impacts of the climate crisis. And I urge all countries to continue to be bold and ambitious and to double the speed and scale of support in 2024. You can be assured of my continued commitment. Many of you in this room are demonstrating exactly what I have envisioned for this initiative. Thank you for your contributions and collaboration. I thank Professor Talaas and Ms. Mizutori for their leadership, alongside the International Telecommunication Union, the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and other key partners. And I look forward to another year of significant progress as we fast forward to meeting the goal of Early Warnings for All by 2027. And I thank you. [END]

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Press Release

06 December 2023

G77 and China Leaders’ Summit, at COP28

Thank you for the opportunity to join you today. Allow me to recognize with deep appreciation the Government of Cuba as Chair of the G77 and China, for its exceptional leadership in successfully navigating a tumultuous year. As our world continues to be challenged by multiple, interconnected, and cross-cutting crises, strategic leadership of the Global South is needed more than ever, particularly on climate change. Multifaceted crises permeate every corner of our planet – severely affecting every country and community. Yet, these crises affect us all, though with varying impacts and on differing scales. The severe economic, social, and environmental devastation from climate change create more debilitating consequences for developing countries – despite having made only a miniscule contribution to this crisis. Naturally, this is most worrisome in Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States. That is, among the most vulnerable. It is therefore essential that COP28 delivers an ambitious series of climate action outcomes; outcomes that reaffirm and strengthen the path to the 1.5 degree target; that accelerate adaptation to assist and support those most vulnerable, struggling on the frontlines; and that produces a bold outcome on the promise made in Sharm El Sheikh to put in place a fund and funding arrangements for Loss and Damage. In the context of Loss and Damage, it is therefore refreshing and hopeful that the Fund has now been capitalized through pledges made by our host, the United Arab Emirates, and Germany, and several others. This constitutes a special achievement for the G77 and China, whose insistence on the creation of this mechanism is well known. Now that the Fund is established, it is hoped that other countries will follow the strategic leadership of the UAE and Germany, and ensure the sufficiency of resources in the Fund to underwrite the financial requirements for the adoption of adequate adaptation mechanisms. On each of these fronts, I must commend the work of the G77 and China. Members of this diverse group have undoubtedly been leading the charge to shift to renewable energy. As indeed they have been leading the calls for building resilience. They have spearheaded debates on climate finance – including pushing for the reform of the international financial architecture, that would afford developing countries better access to development funding without the overhang of unsustainable debt levels. A crucial priority of the G77 and China has also been to secure the actual implementation of the long-promised $100 billion to support climate action. And they have been instrumental in both prioritizing Loss and Damage, as well as in maintaining support for the Global Goal on Adaptation. As the President of the General Assembly, I am here to tell you that all the foregoing priorities are consistent with and underscore many of the fundamental values and principles of the United Nations. Such as, solidarity, cooperation, inclusion, and assisting and supporting the weaker to ensure that no one gets left behind. As mentioned during my address to world leaders yesterday, it is my intention to convene a Sustainability Week in April 2024, to address the dynamics of sustainability in relation to infrastructure, transportation, tourism, and, of course, energy. We must continue to push the needle on these sectors that are so essential to modern economies, that yet constitute some of the greatest contributors to atmospheric emissions. As I conclude, I invite the G77 and China to join me in making that Week a success, and to further build on, what I hope, will be a significant and impactful result from this COP28. Once again, I very much appreciate the privilege to participate in this G77 and China Leaders’ Summit, and I look forward, with anticipation, to working constructively with you, here at COP28 and back in New York, to secure ambitious, credible, transformative climate action that justly places sustainability at the very apex of our endeavours to stabilize atmospheric temperatures. I thank you.
[END]

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Press Release

06 December 2023

World Climate Action Summit 2023 - 02 Dec 2023

It is a privilege to participate in this high-level meeting of landlocked developing countries. Let me begin by thanking the President of Botswana for your strong leadership. I’ve been for many years a great admirer of your country. Landlocked, but a middle-income country with exemplary congruence with social cohesion and sustainable development. Now the specific challenges and vulnerabilities of Landlocked Developing Countries are well-documented. But they do not receive nearly enough global attention. LLDCs are on the frontlines of the climate chaos – confronting a range of dramatic impacts: desertification and prolonged droughts, catastrophic biodiversity loss and rapidly melting glaciers. However, you are also in pole position to reap the rewards of the renewables revolution. You can be champions of an energy transition that is sustainable, just, inclusive, and equitable. But to do all of this, you need much, much more support. The Global Stocktake to be approved in this COP is critical. It must mark a turning point towards a surge of global climate ambition in 2025 and beyond. And that demands action across three priority areas. First, action on finance. And it’s good to have a minister of finance together with us. We need to see a boosting of contributions to the new Loss and Damage Fund. It started well, but with very little money. It must be a much bigger fund than what it looks like at thep resent moment. And we need developed countries to make good on their financial commitments – by clarifying how they deliver or are delivering the $100 billion a year and setting out a clear plan to double adaptation finance. But we must go further still. We must reform the deeply unfair global financial architecture so that it better represents developing countries and better responds to their needs. We need an international financial system that meets the needs of LLDCs with an effective debt-relief mechanism that supports payment suspensions, longer lending terms, and lower rates. We need international financial institutions to fully align with the Paris Agreement. And we need to increase the capital base and change the business models of Multilateral Development Banks so that they leverage far more private finance at reasonable costs to developing countries and in particular LLDCs. Second, action on reducing emissions. We must preserve the limit of 1.5-degrees of heating, as set out in the Paris Agreement, to avert the worst of climate chaos. The Global Stocktake must set clear expectations that countries’ 2025 Nationally Determined Contributions will align with the 1.5-degree limit. And it must advance a just, fair and equitable transition from fossil fuels to renewables: By committing countries to triple renewables capacity, double energy efficiency, and bringing clean energy to all, by 2030. And by committing to phase out fossil fuels on a clear timeframe that aligns with the 1.5-degree limit. Countries must also take action in line with my Climate Solidary Pact and Acceleration Agenda: hitting fast forward on their net zero timelines so that they get there as soon as possible to 2040 in developed countries and 2050 in emerging economies. There is this, I would say, very unfair situation. There are no LLDCs that are big emitters, but LLDCs are on the frontline of the negative devastating impacts of climate change. So I think you have a moral authority to tell big emitters, namely the G20 countries that represent 80 per cent of the emissions, it’s time to seriously reduce emissions in order for LLDCs to have a chance not to be so dramatically impacted by the acceleration of the climate chaos consequences. We need to work together with a new level of international cooperation – governments, countries, and companies – to support the global transition to net zero by 2050. This includes: Putting a fair price on carbon. Protecting everyone, everywhere with early warning systems. And aligning all critical emitting sectors with 1.5 degrees. In these priorities and more, the United Nations stands with you, with the Landlocked Developing Countries. Together, we can lay the foundation for a more resilient and sustainable future for over 500 million people of landlocked developing countries, leaving no one behind as it is our key message of the Sustainable Development Goals. And we can build on this progress at the Third United Nations Conference on LLDCs next June. I salute the Government of Rwanda for hosting the Conference and I’m prepared to participate there. The United Nations system will be in time mobilized to ensure a successful and decisive conference. And I have to tell you we are proud to be your partner – today and in the future. And we take very seriously the dramatic impacts you are facing and the limitation of resources that most LLDCs have to be able to provide to their people what they deserve. There is no reason for landlocked developing countries not to be able to provide to their own citizens the same kinds of level of well-being that we want everywhere across the world. Thank you very much. [END]

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