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By Annonciata Byukusenge
As world leaders convene to shape a greener future, Simon Stiell, the United Nations Climate Change Executive Secretary, has called for decisive action at the opening of the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan.
On Monday, Stiell urged global leaders to align on a unified and ambitious climate finance goal.
“Agreeing to a new global climate finance goal is imperative,” Stiell stated, emphasizing that without urgent collaboration, at least two-thirds of nations will struggle to curb emissions at the required pace.
“Every nation will bear the consequences if we fail to act decisively,” he warned.
He highlighted that economic resilience is intertwined with climate action: “If nations cannot build resilience into their supply chains, the global economy will be at risk. No country is immune to these challenges.”
Stiell dismissed the notion of climate finance as an act of charity. “An ambitious new climate finance goal is in the self-interest of every nation, including the wealthiest,” he asserted.
“But agreeing on a goal is just the beginning. We must work harder to reform the global financial system to give countries the fiscal space they desperately need.”
The Executive Secretary called on leaders to finalize Article 6, which aims to operationalize international carbon markets and to advance mitigation targets established at COP28 in Dubai. “We must not let the goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C slip out of reach. Even as temperatures rise, we must ensure our agreements are implemented to claw them back.”
Stiell noted a significant shift in energy investments: “Clean energy and infrastructure investment will reach $2 trillion in 2024, nearly double that of fossil fuels.
The momentum toward clean energy and climate resilience is unstoppable. Our mission is to accelerate this transition and ensure its benefits are shared globally.”
He also stressed the need for setting and tracking adaptation targets: “You can’t manage what you don’t measure. We need to know if we’re on track to increasing resilience.”
He further highlighted the importance of refining mechanisms for financial and technical support for loss and damage.
Transparency was underscored as a key pillar of progress. “Biennial Transparency Reports, due this year, will provide a clearer understanding of where we stand and what gaps must be addressed,” he added.
Stiell pointed to the upcoming third generation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), set for submission in 2025. “To aid countries in developing and communicating these plans, the UNFCCC will launch a Climate Plan Campaign, rallying action from all stakeholders and aligning with initiatives by the UN Secretary-General and the future Brazilian COP Presidency.”
He also announced the return of Climate Weeks in 2025, integrating them more closely with UN processes to bolster outcomes. At the Secretariat, Stiell committed to continued, tireless efforts despite limited resources. “We will be transparent about the funding we require to deliver on our expanding responsibilities.”
He concluded by calling for unity and decisive action. “COP29 must not conclude without a substantial outcome. We need all parties to demonstrate determination and push for agreements from day one. Now is the time to show that global cooperation remains resilient and effective. Let us rise together.”
