UK (Commonwealth Union)_ The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, Commonwealth Secretary-General, is set to lead the Commonwealth delegation at the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai. Her primary focus will be on accelerating action to combat the climate crisis, especially considering the escalating threats faced by small and vulnerable member countries. COP28 is scheduled from November 30 to December 12, 2023 and follows closely after Commonwealth environment ministers committed to expedite climate action during their inaugural meeting alongside the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City.
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During the summit, Secretary-General Patricia Scotland is slated to deliver a series of over 20 speeches, urging negotiators to achieve transformative outcomes. Key points include expediting the implementation of national climate plans as per the Paris Agreement, leveraging the insights from the ‘global stocktake’ report to enhance ambition and action, and establishing an inclusive, operational Loss and Damage Fund. Officially opening the Commonwealth Pavilion at COP28, Secretary-General Scotland will oversee approximately 40 events demonstrating the Commonwealth’s capacity to facilitate crucial dialogues among governments, experts, businesses, youth leaders, and civil society.
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In addition to addressing the summit, she will engage in meetings with leaders and ministers from Commonwealth member nations and the international community. The discussions will focus on advancing progress in areas such as emissions, finance, adaptation, biodiversity, oceans, health, innovation, and the green economy. Ahead of the summit, Secretary-General Scotland issued a stern call to action, stating, “The worst predictions of climate change have become a daily reality. In the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable countries, fertile lands are turning to dust, wells are running dry, storms and floods are overwhelming communities, and the ocean is rising.”
The Secretary-General emphasized that climate change poses a threat not only to the health, welfare, and survival of millions but also to collective stability and economic prospects. She said, “Yet as climate change advances, the gap on emissions, finance and justice has widened, while the window for action continues to narrow. COP28 must close that gap”. Urging against delays, she emphasized, “Every day of delay makes life more dangerous, and makes climate action more complex, challenging, and expensive. There can be no more delays and no more excuses; this is the time for implementation.” She further added, “The health of us all and of our planet rests on a 1.5°C degree cap on global warming. We cannot lose sight of that objective, and I implore leaders at COP28 to renew their determination to deliver a bright, resilient, sustainable common world – now and for generations to come.”
During the summit, Secretary-General Scotland will advocate for additional support for small and vulnerable states, underscoring that despite ambitious promises, these countries are receiving limited funds to address the impacts of climate breakdown. She will also highlight the vast consequences of the climate crisis on economic growth, which result in high debt burdens, food insecurity, stressed resources, and impaired livelihoods that impact many across the Commonwealth’s 2.5 billion population.
Providing a comprehensive response, Secretary-General Scotland will showcase Commonwealth programs designed to assist member countries, including the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub, the Commonwealth Blue Charter, the Commonwealth Living Lands Charter, the Commonwealth Disaster Risk Finance Portal, and the Commonwealth Sustainable Energy Transition Agenda. Given that 2023 is designated as the Commonwealth Year of Youth, the delegation will also host events focusing on promoting youth-led action on climate change challenges. For additional details, follow #CommonwealthForClimate or visit the COP28 hub.
