The following is a transcript of remarks delivered by UN Climate Change Simon Stiell at an NDC Partnership event during the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, on 20 November 2024.
Excellencies,
Colleagues,
Friends,
Earlier this year I said the next round of NDCs are the most important policy documents of this century. So why is that?
First, because they will be the final barricade for every nation in its fight-to-the-death against climate impacts getting more brutal each year.
And let's be clear: no nation is winning this fight. Every economy is being besieged by climate disasters, ripping up to 5 percent off GDP in some countries. And it's people and businesses that are paying the heaviest price.
Yesterday was agriculture day, and we heard again that food production and supply chains are getting slammed by climate impacts, fueling inflation and hunger, in every country.
So I'll be honest - it's grim. Indeed, I'm often asked what gives me confidence that we can get this job done.
The answer is lots of things.
Quiet acts of solidarity, from people who get knocked down, but who refuse to stay down.
But there are also big things - the macro trends that aren't up for debate.
And there's none bigger than the global clean energy boom - set to hit two trillion dollars this year alone. And it's just getting started.
Money talks, and as we enter the second quarter of this century, it's saying loud and clear: there's no stopping the clean energy juggernaut, and the vast benefits it brings: stronger growth, more jobs, less pollution and inflation, cheaper and cleaner energy. The list of benefits goes on.
That's why we've seen two G20 countries - the UK and Brazil - signal clearly at the COP they plan to ramp up climate action in their NDCs 3.0 - because it's 100% in their economic interests to do so.
But - and it's a big but - right now these vast benefits are only achievable for some. Our job is to make them achievable for all.
To ensure every country can deliver a bold new national climate plan, covering all greenhouse gases and all sectors, aligned with the science of keeping 1.5 degrees within reach.
The NDC Partnership plays a crucial role here. I commend Pablo [Vieira, Global Director of the NDC Partnership Support Unit] and his team for their work. Your network has the expertise, the capacity to support Parties, addressing their unique needs. Coordinating support.
At the secretariat, we are gearing up to play our part in the crucial year ahead, working with the UN system - you heard me announce in my opening speech the Climate Plan Campaign which will help mobilise countries to deliver.
So I urge you all today - reaffirm and, where possible, strengthen your commitments.
Show the world that transformational NDCs are not optional - they are opportunities no country can miss.
I thank you, and I have to run!
