The head of Climate Change of the UN calls for “true spirit of multilateralism” for the next Summit

The executive secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC), the Mexican Patricia Espinosa, has called for unity and work with “true spirit of inclusive multilateralism” to comply with the Paris Agreements and the Convention from each to the next Glasgow Climate Summit (COP26).

“What we need now is to focus all our attention on the next steps to further strengthen confidence in the multilateral process. As we make our way to the UNITED Nations Climate Change Conference COP26 in Glasgow, we must be united and work in a true spirit of inclusive multilateralism to deliver on the promises of the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change,” he said in a statement four days after COP25 closed.

Espinosa wanted to make a “realistic and honest” assessment of the results of the Chilean Climate Summit (COP25) held in Madrid so that the international community can take appropriate measures to guide the next “crucial steps” in the multilateral climate process next year.

In this regard, he recalled that the conference did not produce an agreement on the guidelines for a “much needed” carbon market, developed countries have not yet fully responded to calls from developing countries for greater support in finance, technology and capacity building and the most polluting countries did not send a signal of greater climate ambition next year.

However, it also highlighted positive aspects such as the need for greater ambition by Parties and non-state actors alike, and the agreement to improve the capacity of the most vulnerable to adapt to climate change.

“Many decisions that emerged from the conference in Madrid at least recognize the role of climate finance, essential for concrete action. And decisions were made in areas including technology, oceans and agriculture, gender and capacity building.”He said.

In addition, he recalled that “a large group of countries”, regions, cities, companies and investors expressed their intention to achieve net zero CO2 emissions by 2050, as part of the Climate Ambition Alliance led by Chile. Along with them, under the umbrella of the Climate Ambition Alliance, 114 nations have signaled their intention to present an improved climate action plan next year.

“The commitments of many sectors of society showed overwhelming agreement on the only way forward: that we must follow what science tells us, with the sense of urgency and seriousness that this requires,” he adds.

Espinosa also thanked the efforts of Chile and Spain, as well as observer organizations, including the private sector, youth and scientists, for remembering “every day the need to increase ambition.”

“I look forward to working with the governments of Chile, the UK and Italy to achieve the best possible outcomes at COP26 in Glasgow. Together, with all sectors of the economy and societies at large, we must work tirelessly to address the greatest challenge of our generation.”

Source: The Vanguard