We are now entering the second and last week of COP17/CMP7. The first week went well; and we hope that the same spirit and atmosphere that prevailed last week will continue.
Tomorrow, 6 December, we enter the High Level Segment of the Conference. No fewer than 12 heads of state and government, as well as 130 ministers, are expected to take part in the High Level Segment.
Last week was the week for negotiators to work on technical aspects of the negotiations and to develop text. I personally appealed to the negotiators to make as much progress as possible so that we do not leave too much work for the High Level Segment.
During this week, as was the case last week, I will continue to hold consultations with Parties in an open and transparent way in order to encourage constructive dialogue amongst the Parties. You are reminded that this is a Party-driven process where the Parties must decide.
Durban can take two central and decisive steps to make the world more climate-resilient and to put it on a low-carbon path.
One set of tasks relates to how governments will work together to achieve their common goal of limiting the global temperature rise to a level which can prevent the worst ravages of climate change.
1. Future of KYOTO Protocol
This means answering the very important question of the future of the Kyoto Protocol…and agreeing on how they want to move towards a future multilateral rules-based system on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Cancun agreements
The other major decisive step, or basket of tasks, relates to completing what was agreed last year at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Cancun.
Last week, we saw clear progress being made on the institutions that were agreed in Cancun.
Discussions were held on the Technology Mechanism to promote climate-friendly and adaptation-related technologies. This can hopefully be completed this week so that people can start to benefit as of next year.
The Adaptation Framework agreed in Mexico to coordinate and structure adaptation to climate change at an international level is also being constructed. Discussions on the Adaptation Committee are also underway.
And discussions on the Green Climate Fund to financially support adaptation and mitigation in developing countries have begun.
I thank you.
