In a recent government meeting, significant discussions emerged regarding the outcomes of COP 29 held in Baku, where the Secretary-General expressed disappointment over the lack of ambitious commitments on finance and mitigation. However, he acknowledged that the adopted agreement serves as a foundational step for future progress, emphasizing the necessity for countries to honor their commitments fully and promptly. He highlighted the urgency of transforming pledges into tangible financial support.
The Secretary-General also reached out to young people and civil society, reinforcing the message that the fight against climate change continues and that the United Nations stands in solidarity with them.
Additionally, the meeting addressed the commencement of the 5th session of negotiations for a global plastic pollution treaty in Busan, South Korea. The Secretary-General urged member states to work towards a credible and just treaty that comprehensively tackles the entire life cycle of plastics. He pointed out the staggering statistic that 460 million metric tons of plastic are produced annually, much of which is discarded shortly after use, underscoring the urgent need for effective global action on plastic pollution.