The UN chief noted that Small Island Developing States have not contributed to climate change, but are paying a heavy price.
“You have a right to be angry, and so do I. You are on the receiving end of a vast injustice. An injustice that threatens the future of your island with rising sea levels.”
“Your people are suffering from record storms and your economy is being destroyed.”
The UN’s annual climate conference, COP29, is taking place in the capital of Azerbaijan, Baku, where the UN chief attended several high-level events on Wednesday.
Discussing the challenges faced by small island developing nations, he said only a few countries are responsible for the injustices they face. Countries in the G20 group contribute about 80% of global emissions.
The UN’s top official praised the efforts of small island developing states in climate action, saying they reflect what should be the framework for climate ambition.
“The world must follow you. And he has to support you.” In this vein, the UN Secretary-General shared three priorities.
main priority
first, The goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius must be maintained. This requires major steps to be taken by major emitting countries. By 2030, we must reduce global emissions by 9% per year, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, implement ambitious climate action plans and realize the resolutions of COP28.
second, Support and justice must be ensured for small island developing states so that they can withstand climate shocks. For this, it is important to make a strong financial contribution to the climate damage and loss fund and to make financial resources in the areas facing climate crisis.
third, The goals of the ‘Agreement for the Future’, unanimously passed by the UN General Assembly in September this year, must be achieved.
It called for reform of the international financial system, under which debt relief would be provided to needy countries and a stimulus package of $500 billion per year to advance the Sustainable Development Goals.