The United Nations SDG Advocates have issued a statement at COP28 outlining important steps needed for a path that will achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and deliver climate justice.
At the recent SDG Summit during UNGA opening week, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres raised the alarm about our lack of progress on the SDGs. In sum, we are way behind with only 15% of the targets on track. This alarm rings louder here at COP28 when we address our failure to secure life on our planet and halting the crises that affect half of humanity.
Whether they are rising sea levels, wildfires destroying livelihoods and forests, torrential floods that leave thousands without homes in just a few days, or extended droughts that are leaving so many without nourishment or means to produce food – this polycrisis is not only about the way we are impacted by climate driven disasters; it is also about how well-fitted we are to face them.
Unfortunately, the reality is that we, the peoples of this complex world, do not all have the same technological or financial capacities to face such impacts and rebuild our lives, livelihoods and economies after they have been impacted by extreme weather phenomena. We must resist the false assumption that all countries and people’s experiences are the same – and should respond to — climate change in the same way.
We call on the negotiators here in Dubai to address the fundamental drivers of the social, environmental, and economic injustices that aggravate the climate emergency and perpetuate the cycle of inequalities between peoples and nations.
The poorer nations need much better access to capital.
Those who have contributed the least to climate change are the ones suffering the most with the least financial support.
We began this COP by operationalizing the global fund on loss and damage, with pledges of over $700 million to provide the most vulnerable with the resources they need to respond to the worst impacts of climate change. That’s a start, but there is much more to do in a world where climate damages are now several hundred billion dollars each year.
We will need to go far beyond the $100 billion promised long ago, and we will need to mobilize vastly greater flows for adaptation funding, in part by an expansion of the Green Climate Fund.
We must come together to build an international financial architecture that is fit for purpose. We call on the major economies, in the G20 and other fora, to help address the SDG financing gap.
We also have the technology to support adaptation and build resilience. In light of the escalating impact of the climate crisis, the importance of early warning systems is evident. Warning people of upcoming storms, floods, or droughts are not a luxury but a much-needed tool to save lives and protect livelihoods. They must be accessible and affordable to all.
We also hope that voices of youth, Indigenous Peoples, and women be amplified and fully heard. Their perspectives, knowledge, and ideas are absolutely necessary, and they must be included at decision-making tables.
As agents of change, youth, Indigenous Peoples, and women and girls in all their diversity have great potential to help build a better world, including around climate response – as long as we continue to fight discrimination and ensure they have equal opportunities to succeed and participate in decision-making.
Join us in the call for zero emissions, fossil fuels phase out, a global financial system fit for purpose, and climate justice for all. It is time for credible ambition and urgent action!
Shakirat Sadiq
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