COP 28: Global commitment solidified as 70 governments and 39 organisations endorse a pledge to fortify regions affected by climate change, fragility, and conflict
The COP28 Presidency has taken a significant step towards global climate action by announcing endorsements for its COP28 UAE Declaration on Climate, Relief, Recovery, and Peace.
This initiative has received support from 70 governments and 39 organisations to accelerate worldwide efforts to strengthen the resilience of countries and communities affected by climate change, fragility, and conflict.
The declaration signifies a collective commitment to escalating investment and actions, fortifying resilience in nations and communities impacted by humanitarian crises, fragility, or conflict. Ambassador Al Suwaidi, the COP28 Director-General, emphasised that climate change affects everyone, but its impact is not uniform. In areas marked by fragility and conflict, extreme weather events annually affect three times as many people compared to other countries.
Despite this, inhabitants of highly fragile states receive less climate finance than their counterparts in non-fragile states. The COP28 Presidency is unwavering in its commitment to driving action and building consensus to rectify this imbalance.
The day also marked the unveiling of the 'Getting Ahead of Disasters' Charter, outlining principles for collaborative action to manage climate-related risks and safeguard vulnerable populations. The COP28 Presidency, in collaboration with IGAD and the UN, hosted presidents of countries in the Horn of Africa to introduce their regional climate security strategies.
Additionally, the COP28 Presidency partnered with the UN Secretary-General to rally new support for "Early Warnings for All," an initiative to provide global coverage with early warning systems by 2027.
Dedicated to prioritising health, the day featured the first-ever Climate and Health Ministerial at a COP, convening Ministers of Health and senior health delegates from over 100 countries.
The Ministerial garnered support for the COP28 Climate and Health Agenda and the 'COP28 Declaration on Climate and Health,' which were unveiled on December 2 at the World Climate Action Summit. Over 120 countries endorsed it, mobilising over $1 billion in climate health financing from partners.
Ambassador Al Suwaidi underscored the imperative of addressing immediate human needs while shaping the energy system of the future. Rapid protection and promotion of health and well-being are essential, coupled with efforts to enhance the climate resilience of healthcare systems and reduce climate health risks.
The COP28 Presidency's Action Agenda centres on people, nature, lives, and livelihoods, with "Protecting Lives and Livelihoods" standing as one of the four central pillars.