BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11. 'Climate Weeks' would be relaunched in 2025, with a stronger alignment to the UNFCCC process and the outcomes it must deliver, said Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change, Trend reports.
"We’ll restart 'Climate Weeks' from 2025, aligning them more closely with our process and the outcomes it must deliver," he said, as he addressed the opening of the COP29 UN Climate Change Conference today in Baku.
"We must continue to improve the new mechanisms for financial and technical support on loss and damage," Stiell said, emphasizing the importance of strengthening support for countries most affected by climate change. He further stressed the need for transparency, stating, "We can't make decisions in the dark. Biennial Transparency Reports, due this year, will give us a clearer picture of the progress we're making, and the gaps that need to be filled".
Stiell also outlined the upcoming goals for 2024, with countries set to deliver their third generation of national climate plans (NDCs) next year. To support these efforts, the UNFCCC will launch a Climate Plan Campaign, designed to mobilize action from all stakeholders. "It will align with the efforts of the UN Secretary-General and the incoming Brazilian COP Presidency," Stiell said.
He emphasized the ongoing commitment of the UN Climate Change Secretariat: "At the Secretariat, we will continue to work tirelessly with what we have got, while being clear on what funding we need, so we can deliver on what’s increasingly being asked of us".
Reflecting on recent achievements, Stiell acknowledged that significant steps had been taken in climate action, but urged further progress at COP29. Calling on all parties to act with determination, he urged, "Appreciating the importance of this moment, Parties need to act accordingly. Show determination and ingenuity here at COP29 – We need all Parties to push for agreement right from the start – to stand and deliver".
The COP29 conference officially began today in Baku, Azerbaijan. Running from November 11 through November 22, this pivotal event brings together world leaders, policymakers, and climate experts to address the urgent challenges of climate change. As nations gather to discuss key issues such as climate finance, emission reduction goals, and global cooperation, the outcomes of COP29 will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the planet's climate strategy.