CoP28 an opportunity for Malawi—Usi
Minister of Natural Resources and Climate Change Michael Usi says Malawi’s participation at the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (CoP28) is an opportunity to actively contribute to the global discourse on climate action.
Briefing the media in Lilongwe yesterday ahead of his trip to the conference, the minister said Malawi will actively participate in negotiations, contribute to the formulation of policies, and work towards consensus-building.
He said this will ensure that the outcomes of CoP28 scheduled for Dubai in the United Arab Emirates from November 30 to December 12 2023 reflects the shared responsibility of all nations.
Said Usi: “In this regard, our delegation will engage in constructive dialogue, share our experiences, and seek collaboration with other nations to enhance our adaptive capacities.
“We will advocate for financial and technological support to implement sustainable development initiatives that address both mitigation and adaptation strategies. The outcomes of CoP28 have the potential to shape the trajectory of our efforts in combatting climate change over the coming years.”
The trip comes barely two weeks after President Lazarus Chakwera announced a ban on government-sponsored international travel as part of austerity measures towards resuscitating the economy on its knees.
The President also said he and other senior government officials would not travel abroad until March next year.
UN Resident Coordinator Rebecca Adda-Dontoh said on Saturday the UN is supporting the Malawi delegation, which includes the minister and other government officials, civil society and youth representatives.
She said Malawi’s participation in this year’s climate summit is important, particularly in light of recent events in Malawi.
“The UN in Malawi is committed to support efforts that will help to amplify calls for urgent action and accelerated investments to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change, protecting vulnerable people, communities and livelihoods,” said Dontoh.
CoP28 is a platform for nations to come together to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change and to collectively chart a course of action toward a sustainable and resilient future.
The conferences are held every year since 1995, to take stock of progress made, and challenges encountered in implementing the three international treaties for managing climate change, namely United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement.
