NZOVU CHAMPIONS AFRICA’S CAUSES AT COP28

… calls for robust mobilisation of climate finance, adaptation

Minister of Green Economy and Environment Eng. Collins Nzovu, MP, has reaffirmed Africa’s calls for robust mobilisation of climate finance.

Nzovu was speaking on behalf of the African Group in Zambia’s capacity as Chair of the African Group of Negotiators on Climate Change at the on-going 28th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

“There is no ambition without climate finance, and we cannot implement our action if there is no finance,” Hon. Nzovu said. “Mr President [of COP28], we welcome your efforts in mobilising climate finance. You have shown us that if there is a commitment, climate finance will be mobilised, and we have this time, the pledges made will be delivered, not as in the previous COP.”

He highlighted Africa’s expectations of key outcomes of COP28, including the need for support towards adaptation to the impact of climate change.

“Africa’s position is that there is no successful outcome without a detailed outcome on the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA). This is a mandate equally important as Global Stocktake (GST). We reiterate that adaptation is a key priority for the continent and a critical component in the implementation of the Paris Agreement. Therefore, the launching of the GGA framework is one of the most important outcomes for Africa at COP28,” the Honourable Minister said.

“At the heart of the framework is the development of qualitative and quantitative dimensional and thematic targets that are measurable and time-bound to help us achieve the objective of the GGA.”

He said with regards the Global Stocktake (GST), the objective of the Paris Agreement in Article 2.1 places emphasis on the pursuit of enhancing climate action in the context of sustainable development and eradication of poverty.

He, therefore, said the GST outcome must be guided by the principles of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Paris Agreement.

“On the just transitions pathways: we are of the view this work programme will advance the implementation of climate action and strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change in the context of sustainable development. COP28 should agree on the work programme’s scope and modalities mandating the Subsidiary Bodies (SBs) to carry out the work, and the Conference of Parties Serving as Meetings of Parties to the Paris Agreement (CMA) reach the annual decision to guide the work programme.”

The Minister said Africa requests that the Ministers only address political issues and provide space for the technical negotiations.

Nzovu also said Africa requests the COP28 President to ensure that the technical negotiation, Head of Delegation level and Ministerial level on the same issues should not be held in parallel.

“Africa pledges our support to you [COP28 President] again to make this COP, a historic one that will be remembered for delivering for the people and our countries,” said Nzovu.