Distinguished Guests,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is my pleasure to welcome you to this HLPF special event on "Tripling Renewable Energy Capacity and Accelerating Just Energy Transitions in the Global South. "
As we gather here today, in the margins of the High-Level Political Forum, we stand at a critical juncture in our global efforts to combat climate change and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
The outcome of the first Global Stocktake at COP28, reflects the urgency of our mission. We need large and immediate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions if we are to align with limiting global warming to the agreed threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius. This can only be done with a rapid transition to renewable and sustainable energy across the globe.
The COP 28 Global Renewable and Energy Efficiency Pledge captures the critical role of renewables in achieving “affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. ”
Transitioning away from fossil fuels to renewables is essential to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, unlocking economic benefits, job creation, and energy security. This transition requires international cooperation, innovation, and investment.
Looking forward to September, the Fifth Global Climate and SDG Synergy Conference in Rio de Janeiro, will help strengthen synergies between SDG and climate actions. This cross-cutting perspective will be critical for leveraging the outcomes of the Summit of the Future to drive holistic solutions to our development challenges.
This will build momentum as we head to COP 29 in Baku, which will be an opportunity to address the finance gap that is so crucial for emissions reduction; infrastructure resilience; and the green transition.
These will be pivotal issues as countries formulate their next Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement ahead of COP30, and shape global emission reductions over the next decade.
As we embark on this journey, let us reaffirm our commitment to equity and justice, ensuring an inclusive energy transition that supports vulnerable communities, job creation, and economic resilience.
Together, let us harness the transformative power of renewable energy to achieve the SDGs by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050.
Thank you. I look forward to inspiring discussions.