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Vice-President Usi talks tough on climate financing

Vice-President Michael Usi has dared rich economies to urgently resolve bottlenecks surrounding climate financing if least developed countries such as Malawi are to benefit from the forthcoming Conference of Parties (CoP) in Baku, Azerbaijan.

He said this when he addressed a high-level ministerial conference on Friday in Baku to take stock of promises that were made in the previous CoP conferences.

The Vice-President said climate finance is an enabler for vulnerable communities to recover from the adverse effects of climate change.

Usi follows proceedings during the meeting in Baku

In an interview with international media, Usi said it was important that rich countries fulfil promises they have been making in the previous conferences.

He said: “As we prepare for CoP 29 this November, there is a need to clear a few things, including the definition of climate finance itself. We can’t keep hearing the same promises without action now and then. “We are not tourists. We had promises in Dubai, Scotland, but nothing has been implemented,” he said.

As least developed countries chairperson, he said Malawi will engage partners and stakeholders to ensure that this time promises are met.

“Our communities are reeling from the effects of climate change. We were hit by Cyclone Freddy. Therefore, we are here pushing for action to unlock financing for climate change.  We need action,” he said.

Apart from the conference, the Vice President also had other meetings including one with Azerbaijan’s Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources and Chief Negotiator on Climate Change, Bahadul Babayev.

During the meeting, the Veep said it was Malawi’s interest to lobby for a climate finance package designed to Malawi’s needs and accessible in time.

“We have prepared strategies and plans in areas of adaptation and mitigation as well as energy needs through technology transfer,” he said.

Before arriving in Baku, Usi visited Morocco where Malawi and Morocco signed an agreement to enable the two countries to cooperate in areas of agricultural development and modernisation

The Veep on Wednesday met Morocco’s Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests Mohamed Sadiki, on the sidelines of the African Consultation meeting ahead of the 3rd UN Ocean Conference in June 2025.

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