The Egyptian COP27 presidency is determined to find out tangible solutions to all climate-related issues, affirmed Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, the President of the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27).
He further declared that several countries announced their commitment to confront the adverse impacts of climate change.
Shoukry emphasized the importance of securing the necessary finance to compensate the loss and damage already being incurred from climate-fuelled weather extremes or impacts.
Speaking during a joint press conference Thursday 17/11/2022 with UN Secretary General António Guterres, Shoukry said that the UN plays a crucial role to battle against climate change.
He further asserted that progress has been achieved on a large number of issues.
There are still a number of issues where progress remains lacking with persisting divergent views amongst the parties concerned, he went on to say.
Shoukry also said that he met with world leaders during November 7-8, adding that they threw their weight behind the global efforts to counter climate change and to cope with its impacts.
Shoukry added that he attended consultations among the various parties, saying that while some of the discussions were constructive and positive, others did not reflect the expected recognition of the need to move collectively to address the gravity and urgency of the climate crisis.
Shoukry also said that the mitigation work program is yet to reach the desired outcome and that adaptation is still held back by procedural matters.
“I urge all parties to go the extra mile, take the necessary steps to reach the much-needed conclusions and agreements,” he added.
He also echoed statements made by President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, who said “It is as if the world has become a stage, a constant display of human suffering in the strongest form. Here we have to stop and ask ourselves: Isn’t it about time for this suffering to end?”.
Shoukry urged all parties to take tangible steps to reach conclusions and the aspired agreements.
Source: State Information Service Egypt