20 Nov 2016

Heads of State and Governments who descended on Morocco for the just ended 22nd Conference of the Parties have issued a proclamation to signal a shift towards a new era of implementation and action on climate and sustainable development.

The announcement is alive to alarming and soaring temperatures and the fact that it is the duty of parties to respond.

The public statement welcomes the Paris Agreement and its rapid entry into force, with its ambitious goals, its inclusive nature, principle of common but differentiated responsibility and respective capacities in the light of varying national circumstances.

“Our task now is to rapidly build momentum, move forward purposefully to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and foster adaptation efforts, thereby benefiting and supporting the 2030 Development Agenda and its sustainable development goals,” says in part the proclamation.

The statement therefore calls for political will and commitment to combat climate change as a matter of urgent priority.

Besides calling for solidarity with those countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, the pronouncement underscores need to support efforts aimed at enhancing their adaptive capacity, strengthening of resilience and reduction of vulnerability.

Parties are also challenged to strengthen and support efforts to eradicate poverty, ensure food security and augment resilience of agriculture. ENDS