Physical Address
23,24,25 & 26, 2nd Floor, Software Technology Park India, Opp: Garware Stadium,MIDC, Chikalthana, Aurangabad, Maharashtra – 431001 India
The Commonwealth delegation, led by The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, Secretary-General, participates in the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai. The primary focus is to advocate for intensified action on the climate crisis, especially in response to the growing threats faced by small and vulnerable member countries.
Taking place from November 30 to December 12, 2023, the summit follows the commitment made by Commonwealth environment ministers to accelerate climate action during their inaugural meeting alongside the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City.
The Secretary-General is set to deliver over 20 speeches during the summit, urging negotiators to achieve a transformative outcome. Key objectives include hastening the implementation of national climate plans as per the Paris Agreement, utilizing the insights from the ‘global stocktake’ report to enhance ambition and action, and establishing an inclusive, operational Loss and Damage Fund.
Throughout the conference, Secretary-General Scotland will engage with leaders and ministers from Commonwealth member countries and the international community to advance progress on emissions, finance, adaptation, biodiversity, oceans, health, innovation, and the green economy.
Throughout the conference, the Secretary-General will advocate for greater assistance to small and vulnerable states. Despite ambitious commitments, these nations are experiencing inadequate financial support to address and withstand the effects of climate breakdown, whether through mitigation, adaptation, or resilience-building.
Additionally, she will underscore the wider repercussions of the climate crisis on economic growth, resulting in elevated debt burdens, food insecurity, depleted resources, and compromised livelihoods for a significant portion of the 2.5 billion people residing within the Commonwealth.
Secretary-General Scotland will update COP28 delegates on the Commonwealth’s initiatives aimed at assisting its member countries, including 33 small states, in addressing the challenges posed by the climate crisis.
These initiatives encompass:
The Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub, which has secured US $310 million in climate finance for 17 vulnerable Commonwealth nations, with an additional US $500 million in the pipeline.
The Commonwealth Blue Charter, a collective agreement among all 56 member countries to actively collaborate in addressing shared ocean challenges.
The Commonwealth Living Lands Charter: A Call to Action, committing Commonwealth countries to protect global land resources while coordinating efforts on climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable land management.
The Commonwealth Disaster Risk Finance Portal, providing countries with 24-hour access to crucial information on financing to enhance disaster impact management.The Commonwealth Sustainable Energy Transition Agenda, aiming to expedite an inclusive, just, and equitable transition to low-carbon energy systems across the Commonwealth.
