“Presidency of Hope” stems from an understanding that we have the combined capacity to confront global challenges if we work together, says President of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and Maldives Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid.
Delivering his opening remarks at the High-Level Thematic Debate on “Delivering Climate Action: for People, Planet and Prosperity” on Tuesday, PGA Shahid revealed that his “Presidency of Hope” is not rooted in “blind optimism” or in lessening the gravity of the real situation facing the globe.
With this being said, he noted that Maldives faces the threat of eradication due to rising sea-levels, all of which the people including islanders are aware of.
Noting that the his “hope” stems from an honest assessment of the challenges facing the globe and on an understanding that there is a combined capacity to confront those challenges with collaborative efforts, PGA Shahid said that he wishes to instill the same spirit within the GA.
Today, we aim to take stock of progress made since COP25 on the road to COP26, and to reflect on lessons learned in our efforts to scale-up and speed up action in areas and sectors that are lagging. It will spotlight some of the most impactful and innovative solutions that we can all support. Despite the long way ahead of us, we do indeed have reason to be hopeful.”Abdulla Shahid, President of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
The PGA noted that supportive clean energy policies globally including grants and rebates for rooftop solar, regulations requiring increases in renewable energy as part of the energy mix and tax credits for electric vehicles, wind and solar have steadily helped improve and diffuse technologies while lowering costs.
Stressing that the goal of USD 100 billion per year in climate financing and as per the “Climate Finance Delivery Plan” has not yet been reached, PGA Shahid said that the developed nations are set to be three years late in meeting the pledge, estimated to only be possible by the beginning of 2023.
Shahid urged to not aim efforts towards only going beyond the pledge, but also guaranteeing at least USD one trillion in support to developing countries by 2030.
He stated that although gaps and weak spots continue to exist, the overall scope of climate ambition and targets of Member States are increasing “dramatically”.
PGA Shahid went on to add that public support has reached a “feverish pitch” with expanded knock-on effects for climate action and that the support will only “continue to rise”.
My friends, I am hopeful that we can deliver this. We have the science. We have the capacity. We have the resources. Let’s work together. I believe we CAN, and we SHOULD find the will to end the climate crisis. Today’s event will not solve climate change, only action will. Today’s event is about reminding people of what we are capable of if we act in concert, trust in science, and intelligently mobilize the many resources we have at our disposal.”Abdulla Shahid, President of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
