Climate Talks – Pre COP28 UN RC speech

RC Speech Pre-COP event Belgrade 202411

Excellency, ladies and gentlemen, esteemed colleagues, distinguished guests,

Let me start with my condolences for the tragedy in Novi Sad. My thoughts are with the families and communities affected by this unfortunate event.

It is an honor to stand before you today, gathered at this crucial juncture as we convene for the "Climate Talks" conference here in Belgrade, in preparation for the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Let me begin by acknowledging the partnership of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and our colleagues from the United Nations Development Programme, alongside the dedicated UN team in Serbia, for convening this important dialogue.

As we gather here today, we are reminded of the fragile hourglass that represents our current situation —each grain of sand a fraction of a degree warmer, each missed moment a vital chance lost. The urgency of our situation cannot be overstated. The period from 2014 to 2023 has been recorded as the warmest decade, placing us alarmingly close to breaching the critical 1.5°C threshold that was the goal agreed in Paris. The last climate conferences have repeatedly reconfirmed this shared goal, but we must take robust action to avoid even more tragic climactic shifts.

According to the latest UNEP Emissions Gap Report, without immediate and decisive action, we face the possibility of catastrophic temperature rises, potentially reaching beyond 3°C. We have known for a while that globally, all countries NDC’s taken together are not enough to achieve the Paris goal.  That is why the call for increased ambition –from everyone - is so important!

Keeping global warming below 1.5°C is within our grasp, but it requires speeding up collective action —specifically, cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by 2030 and 57% by 2035—a call to arms that transcends borders. 

This is not merely an environmental crisis; it is a planetary crisis. Our duty extends beyond preventing climate change; it encompasses the protection of human dignity, security, and stability. Vulnerable populations suffer disproportionately and exacerbating these inequalities only deepens the crisis. Our efforts must be inclusive, empowering those most at risk from climate impacts.

Science guides us with clarity. The potential is vast - and it is achievable. The UNEP report shows that leveraging renewable energy and innovating across industrial and agricultural sectors could bridge our emissions gap. Now, more than ever, we need global mobilization on an unprecedented scale.

As 2024 unfolds, it presents a rare and significant opportunity—three pivotal Conferences of the Parties (COPs) dedicated to biodiversity (Cali), climate change (Baku) and desertification (Ryahd). This year is a reminder that these challenges are not isolated phenomena; they are interconnected elements of a broader planetary emergency requiring an integrated response.

By addressing these conventions collectively, we create a holistic approach that acknowledges the interdependence of ecosystems. This allows us to address land degradation, conserve biodiversity, and combat climate change simultaneously. Viewed through an integrated lens, this unified action can redefine resilience and set the foundation for a sustainable future.

While these challenges are global, meaningful change begins closer to home. It's here, in our communities and through our policies, that the broad strokes of global agreements take shape. Serbia is also contributing to the collective global mission.

As we have heard Serbia already has a number of policy planning and reporting instruments that include important targets for greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction and adaptation.

Supported by international collaboration, including from the UN, Serbia's Green Agenda mobilizes investments for the green transition, achieving significant reductions in energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Educational initiatives integrated into school curricula equip younger generations with essential climate knowledge.

Yet, the journey is far from over. Serbia is at a critical juncture; accelerating climate action across all sectors is essential. Taking into account growths is not good without environment, climate, and resilience. This requires a coordinated approach involving ministries like energy, agriculture, and transport, along with environment, in a unified strategy that integrates climate priorities across government activities.

Empowering local governments, the private sector, and communities is vital. By shifting the narrative from threat to opportunity and enhancing public awareness, Serbia can advance efforts towards a net-zero future. 

The UN in Serbia stands ready to continue supporting these endeavors. We continue to facilitate sustainable investments and foster a culture of environmental awareness. Now is the time for decisive, systematic action to ensure policies translate into real change, unlocking green investments and securing a sustainable future for all.

Hvala!