Sri Lanka (Commonwealth Union)_ Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe suggested the establishment of an International Climate Change University in Sri Lanka with a subsidiary institution in the Maldives, citing a lack of competence as the greatest hurdle to the execution of climate action measures. Scientists have also repeatedly warned that Sri Lanka and the Maldives, as island countries, are especially susceptible to the negative effects of climate change.
President Wickremesinghe, speaking at the COP27 Climate Change Conference in Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt, said: “This seat of learning can be a trans-disciplinary global center for green and blue studies—for scientists, environmentalists, researchers, policymakers, development practitioners, and… students the world over.” The Sri Lankan leader attributed the impacts of climate change to the unrestrained industrialization of developed nations, which left the poor to bear the consequences.
In an appeal on behalf of the Global South, he stated that impoverished nations are facing a double threat since they struggle to expand economically while still protecting the living standards of their citizens. Therefore, it is important that the developed nations fulfill their Glasgow commitment by doubling their investment. He also added that losses and damages must be reimbursed to developing nations, which are most adversely affected by the increased emissions of industrialized nations. The Glasgow Climate Pact of 2021 encouraged industrialized nations to at least double their collective financing contributions by 2025.
According to President Wickremesinghe, “It is no secret that climate financing has missed the target. It is ironic that the $100 billion pledged yearly, have not been available in the coffers to finance climate challenges—as many developed countries deem it fit to renege on their climate financing contributions.” Moreover, he stated that nations on both sides of the Ukraine conflict have no qualms about spending more than $350 billion on a war. He described it as a struggle ostensibly fought for the security interests of the combatants.
According to him, at the moment, the only security in jeopardy was food security, which had deteriorated to levels not seen before the war. He added that many people in both the developed and developing worlds do not have access to three meals a day. He further stated that this university will be a multi-stakeholder institution of higher education that enhances people’s capabilities. In this respect, the President has already held consultations with the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Asian Development Bank, and he looks forward to gaining the international community’s cooperation and backing.
