Briefing on the Climate Action Summit
June 9, 2023

Statement by AOSIS

Excellencies, colleagues, I would like to start by thanking the Deputy Secretary-General for convening this briefing on the Climate Action Summit. We believe this meeting is crucial in bringing the necessary political momentum to deliver the climate action we need in order to keep the Paris Agreements 1.5 degree goal within reach.

The latest scientific findings demonstrate that we are far off track, which have the biggest ramifications for the future of small island States. Our limits to adaptation have already been reached and we are currently experiencing widespread loss and damage.

While there are many challenges that we face in advancing climate action, this summit is an opportunity to convert these challenges to opportunities for international cooperation and implement avenues of concrete change. We must advance on the synergies from our political, social and economical institutions to catalyze ambition into action, and unlock the transformative potential of our economies and societies.

Having just returned from the UNFCCC SB58 conference in Bonn, I can attest that more trust needs to be built in order to make meaningful progress. Countries have made it clear that the climate battle will require transformative changes in our international systems, one that is more inclusive of developing countries’ needs and is able to deliver progressive policies and actions.

As countries continue their negotiations in Bonn, we must ensure that talks are being translated into action, and the COP28 delivers more concrete and ambitious targets to keep 1.5˚C on track and ensure our survival. We believe the summit is an important avenue for unlocking ambitious outcomes at COP 28.

As AOSIS, we will work closely with the Secretary General’s climate action team to ensure the summit is a success and delivers the transformational action we so urgently need.

Thank you.