African Group of Negotiators Expresses Concerns Over Global Stocktake Report
AGN chairperson, Ephraim Shitima, expressed concerns about the GST technical report's insufficient coverage of crucial climate action principles and considerations during its virtual launch.
Online- The African Group of Negotiators on Climate Change (AGN) has raised concerns over the just-released Global Stocktake (GST) Factual Synthesis report, asserting that it falls short in addressing crucial elements within the right context and aligning with the overall objectives of the GST, writes Temwa Mhone.
AGN chairperson, Ephraim Shitima, spoke out during the virtual launch of the GST technical report, highlighting the report's limited coverage of key principles and considerations essential for climate action.
Shitima stated, "The report shields away from addressing them in the right context and in line with the overall objective of the GST."
He emphasised the importance of principles like sustainable development, just transitions, equitable multiple pathways, fairness, and policy space for developing countries.
Furthermore, Shitima expressed disappointment that the report failed to effectively capture the significance of safeguarding policy space for developing countries with the lowest progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and providing means of implementation for transitioning to low-emission and resilient development pathways.
Shitima also pointed out that the report overlooked obligations, adequate and predictable provision of finance for adaptation, and recommendations related to financial architecture reforms that the African Group had proposed.
"We look forward to discussing the implications of the findings of the technical assessment phase in the next and final phase of GST-1 in an objective and constructive manner to ensure that it serves its purpose and motivates parties and international cooperation to demonstrate progression and enhance climate action," concluded Shitima.
The synthesis report, published on September 8, 2023, summarises 17 key technical findings from discussions, emphasising the need for more significant progress in addressing climate issues.
The Global Stocktake, designed under the Paris Agreement, aims to assess the global response to the climate crisis and inform the next round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to be submitted by 2025.
The process began with data collection in 2021, followed by a technical dialogue held across three meetings in 2022 and 2023.
The dialogue was co-facilitated by Farhan Akhtar and Harald Winkler, nominated by developed and developing countries, respectively.
Discussions encompassed mitigation, adaptation, support, loss and damage, and response measures, all guided by the best available science.
COP28 President-designate, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, stressed the urgency of the situation, stating, "To keep 1.5 degrees Celsius within reach, we must act with ambition and urgency."
He outlined an ambitious action agenda focused on a just energy transition, climate finance, people's well-being, and inclusivity.
UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell urged governments, businesses, and communities to carefully study the report and recognise the need for greater ambition and accelerated action.
Meanwhile, COP27 Representative, Ambassador Wael Aboulmagd, underscored the critical role of finance for developing countries, emphasising the necessity of adequate financial resources for progress in addressing climate gaps.
The report serves as a foundation for the conclusion of the first GST in Dubai, at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28).