UN climate chief calls for serious efforts to overcome differences for COP29 success

Simon Stiell, the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), emphasized the need for a more serious approach to overcoming disagreements and accelerating the transition from text negotiations to practical actions in order to achieve success at the upcoming COP29 climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan.

According to Report, speaking at the conclusion of the Bonn Climate Change Conference, Stiell expressed concern that too many issues remained unresolved and much of the agenda still needed to be agreed upon. He highlighted the steps taken during the June climate meetings to develop progressive, effective, and scientifically sound indicators for adaptation.

"We have made some progress in creating a more efficiently functioning international carbon market, but we still have a long way to go to complete this work," Stiell said. "We worked together to ensure transparency and supported each other in planning the preparation of more ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). However, there is still a great deal to be done in the period leading up to COP29."

Stiell noted that developed countries have many levers at their disposal, including as shareholders of development banks, to support climate action. With time running short, he urged all governments to intensify efforts to develop more ambitious national climate plans.

"I urge all governments to ramp up efforts to develop more ambitious national climate plans," Stiell added.

The June UN climate meetings saw important steps towards developing indicators for each of the thematic goals on the road to COP29, aiming to be inclusive, transparent, and scientifically sound. The supervisory body also intends to finalize work on the Sustainable Development Mechanism to ensure environmental and social safeguards before the Conference of the Parties in Baku.