PM Calls on Nations to Take Action
‘We are coming together to swap ideas about how we can all improve our performances and the world expects the Talanoa Dialogue to deliver outcomes – concrete action to raise the ambition of our NDCs’
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has called on countries to take concrete action to raise the ambition of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) on climate change. Mr Bainimarama made this statement when he delivered his address at the 9th Petersburg Climate Dialogue, on the Talanoa Dialogue for the increased climate ambition, at the Axica Kongress and Conference Centre in Berlin, Germany yesterday. Mr Bainimarama said the Talanoa Dialogue was not a talkfest where they would go away with a warm inner glow, having boasted of their own achievements. “We are coming together to swap ideas about how we can all improve our performances and the world expects the Talanoa Dialogue to deliver outcomes – concrete action to raise the ambition of our NDCs,” Mr Bainimarama said.
Mr Bainimarama, as COP23 President, clarified some timelines for the process, such as the deadline for contributions to the Talanoa process, through the dedicated United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) portal for October 29.
He said everyone needed to submit their ideas in four months’ time as the political phase of COP24 in December comes in after.
“It is critical that governments come to Katowice demonstrating the political ‘will’ to raise ambition and make the Talanoa Dialogue the success it needs to be for the whole world.
“Please return to your capitals, committed to doing everything possible – as Fiji is doing – to raise the ambition of your own NDCs,” Mr Bainimarama said.
He urged the member countries to exert their diplomatic influence for others to do the same.
“We need tangible commitments from every nation on further reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
“There is no room for failure. We do not have the luxury of time.
“So let us use the Talanoa Dialogue as a springboard for more action. More momentum.”
Meanwhile the German Federal Environment Ministry and the Government of the Republic of Poland hosted this 9th Petersburg Climate Dialogue in Berlin. It was an informal meeting of ministers and representatives from 35 countries focusing on the implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement and preparation for the next Climate Change Conference, which will take place in December in Katowice under Poland’s Presidency.
It is critical that governments come to Katowice demonstrating the political ‘will’ to raise ambition and make the Talanoa Dialogue the success it needs to be for the whole world. Please return to your capitals, committed to doing everything possible – as Fiji is doing – to raise the ambition of your own NDCs Voreqe Bainimarama Prime Minister