– SDGs, climate change, COVID-19 pandemic to be discussed

COUNTRIES from around the world will gather virtually on October 29 and 30 for a high-level climate change conference hosted by Guyana, in its capacity as Chair of the Group 77 and China.

The meeting will be conducted under the theme, “Maintaining a low-carbon development path towards the 2030 agenda in the era of COVID-19”.
Speaking at a recent media briefing at his South Road office, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd said the event will provide a platform for partnership among the Group’s 134 Member States and China on the implementation of climate action, the mobilisation of financial resources, and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) among other things.

He further said the forum will provide the opportunity for discourse on the SDGs, climate change, and the COVID-19 pandemic, while also allowing stakeholders to highlight the links between climate action and climate finance.

The meeting will also provide opportunities for member states to examine ways in which the global financial architecture can improve access for developing countries to maintain a climate-resilient development pathway, in the context of the 2030 Agenda.

Further, the forum will facilitate knowledge exchange on the experiences in the combat of climate change, and the role of South-South Cooperation in supporting developing countries in their response, and the need for vital changes in policy and institutions at all levels.

Delegates will also share case studies demonstrating ecosystem approaches that maintain existing carbon stocks; regulate water flow and storage; maintain and increase resilience; reduce vulnerability of ecosystems and people among other matters of importance.

During the forum, Guyana’s Low-Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) will also be showcased as a model of how climate change can be addressed through low-carbon development, particularly among developing countries.

President Irfaan Ali; Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres are among the speakers scheduled to address this forum.

They will be joined by ministerial and expert-level representatives from the membership of the G77 + China to address pertinent issues related to sustainable development within the context of a global COVID-19 recovery plan.

The Group of 77 was established on June 15, 1964 by 77 developing countries, and currently serves as a platform for more than 130 states to articulate and promote collective economic interests, and enhance joint negotiating capacity on all major international economic issues in the United Nations system.