New Delhi: The COP28 Presidency has issued a pressing call for immediate measures to bolster worldwide efforts in climate change adaptation. The aim is to reduce vulnerabilities and enhance resilience for societies, ecosystems, and economic sectors on a global scale.

This appeal was voiced at the inauguration of the Korea Global Adaptation Week 2023, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing fight against climate change. Ambassador Majid Al Suwaidi, Director-General and Special Representative of COP28, reiterated the Presidency's steadfast commitment to giving prominence to adaptation and resilience.

Ambassador Al Suwaidi stated, "The adaptation and resilience agenda has been firmly embedded in the COP28 Presidential Action Agenda. With a central focus on reinstating individuals and communities at the core of climate-related measures, our efforts are channeled towards realizing the Global Goal on Adaptation. This entails addressing concerns related to food security, healthcare, water resources, biodiversity, and post-disaster recovery."

He also emphasized that the upcoming Global Stocktake scheduled for COP28 would offer a comprehensive evaluation of achievements and shortcomings. This momentous occasion is poised to enhance ambition levels and stimulate action for adaptation strategies.

Addressing the matter of paramount urgency, the COP28 Director-General stressed the necessity of "establishing a robust framework for the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA), supported by a well-structured, diverse, and actionable roadmap for reinforcing resilience."

The GGA framework, Ambassador Al Suwaidi underscored, "should contribute to the reduction of vulnerabilities, the advancement of adaptive capabilities, and the fortification of resilience among the most susceptible populations, ecosystems, and economic sectors. It must encompass a broad perspective while retaining flexibility in its specifics, reflecting the array of challenges and capacities intrinsic to our global community."

Ambassador Al Suwaidi called upon developed nations to honor their commitment to doubling adaptation financing by 2025, a pledge initially made at COP26. Additionally, he urged multilateral development banks (MDBs) and development finance institutions (DFIs) to amplify their efforts in funding adaptation initiatives.

G20 Summit in India: Focus on Green Growth and Climate Finance, and More