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I would like first, to take
this opportunity to express my deepest appreciation to the Government of the
United Arab Emirates for hosting and steering the work of COP28 and indeed
for its’ leadership on climate change.
There is evident reason why the
world’s attention is focused on our deliberations here in Dubai. The gravity
of the situation regarding climate change calls for global action, for swift
and resolute decisions, but also levelling up our ambition for the future of
our planet and for the future generations. It is a global challenge that
recognises no borders and can only be addressed through multilateral
cooperation.
Indeed, the latest IPCC report
of March 2023 details the magnitude of changes in the climate system caused
by anthropogenic emissions, that is unprecedented in the history of humanity.
Human-caused climate change is increasing both the frequency and the magnitude
of extreme weather events in the whole world, devastates our ecosystems and
livelihoods, and consequently, our societies and economies. For some parts of
the world this is already an existential threat.
Cyprus, situated at the heart
of the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East, an area that is highly
vulnerable to the impact of climate change, is experiencing these effects at
higher levels than the global averages.
During these last few years, we
have witnessed higher frequency and extend of huge wildfires, droughts and
floods, as well as prolonged periods of extreme heat-waves.
These phenomena have destroyed
large parts of our forests, as well as unique ecosystems in our region, and
have had a devastating impact on livelihoods, demanding urgent national and
regional responses.
Deep emission cuts are
necessary across countries and all sectors of activity within our societies.
It is clear that we must act
urgently, decisively, and collectively. One example of a collective, regional
action is the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East Climate Change Initiative
(EMME-CCI), initiated by Cyprus in 2019 in the context of recognizing the
need for regional synergies to combat and mitigate the impact of climate
change in the EMME region, in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Last year in Sharm El Sheikh
the Heads of States and Governments of countries belonging to the initiative,
adopted a political declaration as well as the Regional Action Plan.
Currently, we are in the
process of moving forward with its implementation. We initiated a dialogue
and stocktaking with the countries that are part of the initiative to jointly
undertake and move forward specific projects and actions to promote climate change
mitigation and adaptation.
Furthermore, firmly believing
in the necessity for regional and transnational cooperation, the Republic of
Cyprus will host in 2024 the First Commonwealth Ministerial Meeting on the
Sustainable Use of the Ocean. The meeting’s aim is to establish the principles,
priorities and actions that will govern the future Commonwealth Ocean
Declaration.
Global ambition must also
substantially increase in line with the Paris Agreement to keep the 1.5ºC
objective within reach. With this in mind, we need to successfully conclude
the first Global Stocktake, with a determined and forward-looking outcome,
crystallising pathways and opportunities for a climate resilient and
sustainable development.
In closing, I would like to
acknowledge the importance of youth, the generations that will come after us.
These voices are speaking up, loud and clear and expect us to deliver to them
a future of hope.
Let us heed that call, let us
walk the path to climate neutrality, and let us come together to build
resilient, sustainable, and green businesses, communities and countries for
the future.
(RM/NG/IA)
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