The following is a transcript of remarks made by UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell during the opening plenary session (week 2) of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Monday 18 November 2024.
The photo above is available for download here. Please credit: UN Climate Change | Kiara Worth.
These remarks are also available in Arabic, French, Portuguese, Spanish, and Russian (shortly).
Dear colleagues, I urge you, wrap up less contentious issues as early as possible this week, so there is enough time for the major political decisions.
We've worked closely with the Presidency, who have just laid out a clear approach to get us to the finish line.
We can't lose sight of the forest because we're tussling over individual trees.
Nor can we afford an outbreak of 'you-first-ism'. Where groups of parties dig in and refuse to move on one issue, until others move elsewhere.
This is a recipe for going literally nowhere. And could set global climate efforts back at a time when we simply must be moving forward.
We will only get the job done if Parties are prepared to step forward in parallel, bringing us closer to common ground.
Bluffing, brinksmanship, and pre-mediated playbooks burn up precious time and run down the goodwill needed for an ambitious package.
So let's cut the theatrics and get down to real business.
Yes, there are headwinds, everyone knows that, but lamenting them won't make them go away. Now is the time to focus on solutions.
I know we can get this done. The Presidency is working round the clock, with diligence, determination and even-handedness.
The secretariat will continue to be the steady guide by their side, while also supporting Parties, with a focus on inclusivity.
So I urge everyone - now's the time to get to work.
I thank you.
