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Nazrin Abdul

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At the event "Leveraging the NDC Partnership's Model of Collaboration to Accelerate Ambitious Climate Action," UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell emphasized the critical importance of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in the global fight against climate change, Azernews reports.

Stiell highlighted the urgency of the next round of NDCs, calling them "the most important policy documents of this century." He stressed that these NDCs will be the final line of defense for nations battling increasingly brutal climate impacts, which are already severely affecting economies, with some countries losing up to 5% of their GDP due to climate disasters.

Referring to the ongoing climate challenges, including the negative effects on agriculture and food supply chains, Stiell acknowledged the grim reality many countries are facing. Despite this, he emphasized that there are reasons for hope. "Quiet acts of solidarity" and significant macro trends, such as the global clean energy boom, offer a path forward. Stiell noted that this clean energy transition is projected to reach a two trillion dollar market this year, promising economic growth, more jobs, and cleaner energy solutions.

He also pointed to the leadership shown by countries like the UK and Brazil, who have signaled their intent to strengthen their climate commitments as part of their upcoming NDC updates. "It’s 100% in their economic interests to do so," Stiell remarked.

However, he stressed that the benefits of the clean energy revolution must be accessible to all nations, particularly those most vulnerable to climate impacts. The UN Climate Change Secretariat, together with the NDC Partnership, is working to ensure that all countries can deliver ambitious climate plans that are aligned with the science of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

In closing, Stiell urged countries to reaffirm and strengthen their commitments, stressing that transformational NDCs are not just a necessity but an opportunity that no country can afford to miss.

As the event concluded, Stiell left the audience with a clear call to action: "Let's ensure that every country can deliver a bold new national climate plan, covering all greenhouse gases and all sectors, aligned with the science of keeping 1.5 degrees within reach."