At COP 28 in Dubai, the UN Science-Policy-Business Forum’s rich programme of events brought together decision-makers to focus on technology, partnerships, and integrated solutions for nature.
Addressing the Climate Crisis and Human Settlements Nexus in Africa through Integrated Multilateral Action: Articulating Vision and Opportunity – 1 December
Despite contributing little to greenhouse gas emissions, Africa is one of the most vulnerable continents to climate change. Rising adaptation needs and urbanization, among other trends, pose new challenges and opportunities for climate resilience on the continent. Indeed, according to the UNEP Adaptation Gap Report 2023, Africa’s adaptation costs could reach USD 50 billion annually by 2050 even if the global temperature increase is kept below 2°C. In this high-level event, the Presidents of Namibia and Botswana emphasized the urgency of climate action, with Botswana’s president calling for responsible transition and smart investments, particularly in solar energy. Discussions also covered the operationalization of the loss and damage fund at COP 28, the importance of South-South cooperation for sustainable development, and the need for accessible, localized climate solutions, insurance, and seed financing.
Shaping a Climate-Resilient 21st Century: Role of Industry and Finance in Supporting the Adaptation Agenda – 1 December
Private sector investment is crucial in the fight against climate change due to its ability to mobilize significant financial resources, drive innovation and technological development, and operate efficiently. This is true particularly for adaptation, as the UNEP Adaptation Gap Report 2023 has emphasized a decline in multilateral and bilateral adaptation financial flows with massive implications for adaptation, as well as for responding to loss and damage from climate change, particularly for the most vulnerable. In this session, representatives from Volvo, Schneider Electric, and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank highlighted sustainability efforts, decarbonization programs, and the importance of government policies to drive foreign direct investment in Africa.
Aligning Climate and Development Financing to Achieve SDGs and Accelerate Climate Action – 4 December
Organised in partnership with the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MPED) of the Arab Republic of Egypt and UNDP, this event examined the interlinkages between development finance and climate finance, with the motive that ensuring alignment between the two is an urgent matter that will boost the realization of the Agenda 2030 goals, as well as the Paris Agreement. More specifically, this Leadership Dialogue examined how climate-related finance supports the implementation of the SDGs, discussed the existing and persistent challenges to access finance for development and climate financing, explored alternative funding mechanisms to fund climate action and development goals, and sought to capitalize on the COP27 Presidency initiative “Friends of Greening National Investment Plans in Africa and Developing Countries” that was launched on the margins of COP27.
Read about the “Greening National Investment Plans” Initiative launched at COP 27
Unleashing Climate-Resilient Infrastructure Investments – 4 December
Climate-resilient infrastructure is essential in mitigating the adverse impacts of climate-related disasters, and the demand for such infrastructure is escalating rapidly in the face of intensifying climate-related challenges. However, financial resources available to the most vulnerable countries fall short of meeting their growing needs. In this event held on Finance Day at COP 28, UN-SPBF Head Shereen Zorba emphasized the financing challenges for climate-resilient infrastructure in developing countries. Botswana’s Finance Minister outlined her country’s strategies, dedicating 7% of infrastructure funds to climate resilience and diversifying revenue sources. Representatives from Indonesia, Volvo Group, African Development Bank, and KPMG discussed lessons in peatland restoration, global sustainability efforts, large-scale adaptation programs, and private-public partnerships to manage climate resilience risks.
The Future of Energy: Leaving No One Behind – 5 December
Investments in renewable energy technologies have accelerated, reaching USD 1.7 trillion in 2023. Yet the race to net-zero risks leaving developing countries behind, as access to these technologies and disruptions to supply chains pose significant obstacles to their diffusion and implementation. In this high-level leadership dialogue held on Energy Day, speakers emphasized the importance of inclusivity and just transition in clean technology, Indigenous Peoples’ rights, and the need for diverse energy systems. Discussions touched on barriers to renewable energy adoption, the essential role of copper and minerals in decarbonization, and the necessity of financial structures that couple grants and private capital.
Harmonizing Environmental Data: Towards a Global Environmental Data Strategy – 6 December
Held on Digital Day, this side event explored the rationale and the requirements for the development of the UNEP-led Global Environmental Data Strategy (GEDS); gaps, priorities, and opportunities for climate action data; elements relating to technology use and equitable sharing of Big Data products and services; and developments in the work of the Data for the Environment Alliance (DEAL). Panelists noted the need for greater knowledge exchange on environmental data; space technology’s role in climate action, addressing challenges like methane emissions; Google’s contributions to eco-friendly information: and Indigenous knowledge, participatory mapping, and leveraging digital technologies for effective climate action, concluding with a call for ongoing engagement through the UN-SPBF.
Global Resource Outlook 2024: Tackling the triple planetary crises through sustainable resource use
Organized with IRP and the Government of the Netherlands, this session elaborated on why solutions based on the sustainable management of natural resources can be some of the most effective in delivering on the Paris Agreement and must be considered as countries ramp up ambitions for action. Preliminary findings from the International Resource Panel’s Global Resources Outlook (published at UNEA-6) identified that resource management strategy including sustainable consumption and production, circular economy and resource efficiency can help to reduce CO2 emissions by more than 80 percent by 2060 while still delivering wellbeing and economic growth for all. Strategies for action across housing, mobility, energy and food systems, as well as a central focus on justice and equity, will be discussed based on the findings of the report.
Read more about the UN-SPBF COP 28 programme
Read about UNEP’s COP 28 activities