Delegations from several developing nations, including the Alliance of Small Island States and Least Developed Countries, have walked out of ongoing consultations at the UN climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan. Their departure comes as negotiations drag on without reaching a consensus that would sufficiently address the urgent needs of those most vulnerable to climate change.
The current debate has focused on the New Collective Quantified Goal, which proposes that developed countries need to contribute $250 billion annually by 2035 to help developing nations take necessary climate action. However, many representatives feel that the ongoing discussions lack sufficient progress and do not adequately address their concerns.
In a statement made by Cedric Schuster, the Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States and the Samoan Minister for Natural Resources and Environment, he reaffirmed AOSIS’s commitment to the negotiation process. Schuster emphasized the importance of inclusivity and stated that the member countries felt consistently marginalized, with their specific needs largely ignored.
Schuster pointed out that small island developing states and least developed countries are disproportionately affected by climate crises—a crisis they did not cause. He strongly reiterated that meaningful progress is needed, particularly in transitioning away from fossil fuels, which was an initial agreement made in previous discussions.
AOSIS urged all parties involved to uphold the commitments made in the Paris Agreement, which mandates that developed nations provide necessary support to developing countries. Schuster emphasized the dire situation faced by many island nations, stating, “Our islands are sinking,” and called for collective action to ensure a deal that would not further endanger vulnerable populations.
Professor Biman Prasad, Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and head of its delegation, expressed confidence that an agreement on climate finance could still be reached, arguing that it is in the best interest of all parties involved to find a mutually acceptable resolution.
In a hopeful turn, discussions remain ongoing, and there is still a possibility for the conference to yield productive results. Collaborative efforts and mutual understanding could lead to a constructive outcome that benefits both developed and developing nations in the long run.
The urgency of the situation reminds us all of the critical need for solidarity and decisive action in the fight against climate change. As countries navigate these challenges, there lies an opportunity for commitment and victory that could help secure a sustainable future for all.
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