The United Nations (UN) has issued a powerful call to developed countries, urging them to honor their commitment to developing nations by meeting the climate finance pledge of $100 billion.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in collaboration with the South African Government, emphasized the importance of wealthy nations doubling adaptation finance, replenishing the Green Climate Fund, and activating the loss and damage fund in the current year.
This appeal comes after a promise made by affluent nations in 2009 at a UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, to assist less wealthy countries in adapting to climate change and mitigating temperature rises by 2020.
Guterres stressed that Africa must be a top priority in these efforts, underlining the urgency of addressing climate change’s disproportionate impact on the continent.
The Secretary-General delivered these remarks during the BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS plus Dialogue held during the 15th BRICS Summit at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.
He noted that the climate crisis was escalating rapidly and implored world leaders to intensify their efforts to combat it.
Guterres introduced a Climate Solidarity Pact, in which developed countries provide financial and technical support to emerging economies in Africa and beyond, facilitating an equitable transition to renewable energy.
He also presented an Acceleration Agenda, advocating for developed nations to commit to achieving net-zero emissions by 2040, with developing nations aiming for a similar milestone as close to 2050 as possible.
In addition to the climate crisis, Guterres addressed the challenges of rising living costs and growing inequalities, which are running counter to the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
He highlighted the geopolitical tensions and conflicts arising globally, particularly in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Guterres emphasized that while nations aspire to a multipolar world, multipolarity alone is insufficient to ensure global peace and cooperation.
He called for strong and effective multilateral institutions, grounded in the UN Charter and international law, to support multipolarity effectively.
Guterres argued for the reform of global governance structures, including the UN Security Council and the Bretton Woods institutions, to better represent contemporary power and economic dynamics.
He stressed that without such reforms, fragmentation in the global economy, technology strategies, and security frameworks is inevitable, with potentially severe economic consequences.
The Secretary-General cautioned against a divided global economy and financial system, highlighting that such division could cost 7% of global GDP, disproportionately affecting low-income countries, primarily in Africa.
In conclusion, Guterres urged leaders to restore trust and invigorate multilateralism for the 21st century, emphasizing the need for courage in undertaking necessary reforms.
He stressed the importance of respecting the UN Charter, international law, universal values, and all human rights, while also emphasizing the essential role of solidarity, especially for Africa.
Africa, he noted, continues to face profound injustices, including higher borrowing costs despite contributing a small fraction of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Guterres proposed practical actions, including an effective debt workout mechanism and measures to increase resources available to developing countries, as vital steps toward sustainable development in Africa and for its people.