The Fifth Global Climate and SDG Synergy Conferencewhich was held in Rio de Janeiro on September 5 and 6, was convened because the agreements on both fronts are still far from being fulfilled.
Moment of truth
In his opening remarks on Thursday, the UN Deputy Secretary-General said: Amina Mohammed stressed that countries must take action now.
“We are facing the moment of truth when it comes to climate change,” she said.
Ms Mohammed noted that greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise when they should be falling, while climate disasters are increasing and intensifying across all continents, hitting the most vulnerable hardest.
Furthermore, the target of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels “hangs by a thread”.
Action and opportunity
Meanwhile, the latest annual report of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) show that only 17 percent are on scheduleand in more than a third, progress has stagnated or even declined.
“The need for urgent action is unprecedented, but the chance is also so“Not only to deliver on climate, but also on economic prosperity and sustainable development,” she said.
The UN deputy chief looked ahead to next year, when all governments must submit new climate plans, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which “must align with 1.5 and clearly demonstrate a commitment to phase out fossil fuels.”
“If implemented well, these NDCs can also serve as investment plans that boost sustainable development, green jobs and economic resilience,” she said.
Governments also need to reform the international financial system so that it works in favour of developing countries, not against them, she added.
SDG stimulus plan
Mrs Mohammed called for action on three points and urged governments to meet their commitments for a SDG stimulus plan which will generate $500 billion annually for developing countries.
They must also “secure long-term concessional financing and tax the rich to raise the trillions needed to finance the transition,” she continued.
“Third, leaders must commit to using their influence within multilateral development banks to make them better, bigger and bolder in the countries they serve,” she said.
In this context she pointed out the Top of the future at UN headquarters in New York later this month, “where proposals are on the table to overhaul the global financial system and make it fit for purpose and the next century.”
About the conference
The Fifth Global Conference on Climate and SDG Synergy took place at the Museum of Tomorrow (Museu do Amanhã) in Rio de Janeiro.
It was jointly organised by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) and the UN Climate Change Secretariat (UN Climate Convention) and organized by the Brazilian government in conjunction with their current role as leader of the G20 group of countries.
The discussions at the conference will build on the growing evidence demonstrating the need for synergistic action to jointly address the climate crisis and sustainable development challenges.
Support transformative change
“Governments and experts increasingly recognize the need for integrated solutions,” said Li Junhua, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs.
“Let us commit to tackling climate change and the transformative changes needed to achieve the SDGs by 2030. The future of our planet and people depends on the actions we take today.”
Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC, reaffirmed the pledge to leave no one behind.
“Our focus on development and climate action, hand in hand, is the only way we can ensure that the enormous economic opportunities arising from the green transition can reach every community – fair, just and speedy,” he said.
