Recap of the Sixth Friends of the Paris Agreement High-Level Dialogue in Paris

The sixth Friends of the Paris Agreement High-Level Dialogue took place in Paris on October 28-29, 2024, gathering over 20 high-ranking officials to assess progress since the Paris Agreement. Co-chaired by Xie Zhenhua and Laurence Tubiana, major topics included sustaining climate actions, enhancing international cooperation, and preparing for upcoming UN climate conferences. Participants stressed the need for global commitment to multilateralism and outlined strategies to achieve climate goals in time for COP29 and COP30.

The sixth Friends of the Paris Agreement High-Level Dialogue convened in Paris on October 28-29, 2024, bringing together global leaders and stakeholders to evaluate the notable progress and persistent challenges in tackling climate-related emergencies since the inception of the Paris Agreement. This pivotal dialogue was co-chaired by Xie Zhenhua, the former special envoy for climate change from China, alongside Laurence Tubiana, the former French climate change ambassador and special representative for COP21. Hosted by the European Climate Foundation and co-organized by the Institute of Climate Change and Sustainable Development of Tsinghua University, the dialogue attracted over 20 distinguished officials from signatory nations. Esteemed participants included Laurent Fabius, President of the French Constitutional Council; John Kerry, former United States Secretary of State; Teresa Ribera, European Commission’s Executive Vice-President; Luiz Alberto Figueiredo Machado, a former Brazilian minister of External Relations; Catherine McKenna, former Canadian Minister of Environment and Climate Change; Selwin Hart, Special Adviser to the UN Secretary-General; and Liu Zhenmin, China’s special envoy for climate change. With the coming year marking the tenth anniversary of the Paris Agreement, attendees unanimously recognized the necessity for all nations to embody the spirit of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) amidst the prevailing complex global challenges. They reiterated a strong commitment to uphold multilateralism while advancing the global climate action agenda, adhering to the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. The discussion further highlighted the imperative for countries to pursue ongoing climate initiatives under the auspices of the Paris Agreement. Participants advocated for expedited and expansive international cooperation to ensure the timely attainment of global climate objectives and to facilitate a swift transition towards sustainable, low-carbon, and climate-resilient development. In addition, the dialogue incorporated substantial deliberations surrounding critical climate issues, including Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), climate finance, energy transition, and technological innovation. Participants reached consensus on enhancing the role of the “Friends of the Paris Agreement” in supporting the success of the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference in Baku (COP29) and laying the groundwork for next year’s UN Climate Change Conference in Belem (COP30), in alignment with the principles set forth by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement. The Friends of the Paris Agreement High-level Dialogue has been held annually since its inception in 2019, serving as a strategic platform for high-level representatives instrumental in the formulation and execution of the Paris Agreement to offer recommendations to the UN and the respective host countries of the Climate Conferences.

The Friends of the Paris Agreement High-Level Dialogue serves as a key forum for international leaders and stakeholders dedicated to addressing climate change. Since its initiation in 2019, the dialogue has facilitated critical discussions among high-ranking officials from various nations, focusing on the efficacy of the Paris Agreement and the collective responsibilities of nations to combat climate challenges. This event is especially significant as the Paris Agreement approaches its tenth anniversary, prompting leaders to reevaluate progress and strategize future actions to meet global climate goals.

The sixth Friends of the Paris Agreement High-Level Dialogue reaffirmed the commitment of international leaders to multilateralism and cooperative climate action. With a focus on advancing the Paris Agreement’s objectives, participants acknowledged the essential role of strong international partnerships and emphasized the importance of timely and substantial efforts in climate finance, technological innovation, and energy transition. The consensus reached at this dialogue lays a solid foundation for upcoming climate conferences, particularly COP29 in Baku and COP30 in Belem, as world leaders strive for a resilient, low-carbon future.

Original Source: www.china.org.cn