Statement on the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Cancun, Mexico

2009 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting

When Commonwealth Heads of Government last met in Trinidad and Tobago, on the eve of the COP 15 UNFCCC negotiations in Copenhagen, we stressed our belief in approaching the negotiations with ‘ambition, optimism and determination’. Although for many of us the outcomes from COP 15 failed to meet expectations and there is disappointment with the multilateral process, we must approach COP 16 in Cancún with a renewed commitment.

Climate change represents one of the greatest challenges we face. To echo the sentiments my fellow leaders expressed in the Port of Spain Climate Change Consensus at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, it poses ‘an undisputed threat to the security, prosperity, economic and social development of our people’. For many, it is deepening poverty and affecting the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals. For some of us, it is an ‘existential threat’.

COP 16 is important as it provides an opportunity to show people around the world, particularly the most vulnerable, the leadership, vision and the commitment that is needed to overcome the damage and destruction that can be wrought by climate change.

Progress achieved

We therefore have to make sure that Cancún is a success and opens the door to the full, comprehensive, legally binding and ambitious global agreement that the world needs and lay the basis for the final agreement in South Africa in 2011.

We should draw inspiration from the positive progress achieved already in some spheres of the negotiations such as those on REDD+, technology development and transfer and call upon leaders at Cancún to recognise this progress and develop forward-looking programmes of work to make these agreements reality.

Climate Financing

We do not underestimate the scale of the challenge in achieving agreement yet should remember the progress that can be made when leaders from a wide array of countries come together to develop a common approach, as our Commonwealth leaders joined by others, did just a year ago with their call for a US$10 billion per annum Copenhagen Launch Fund. The announcement of this financing package was one of the key components of the Copenhagen Accords and demonstrated what can be achieved with sufficient political will and unity of purpose.

The Commonwealth as a Trusted Partner

In addition to a political outcome from Cancún, we must also move into a phase of practical action and cooperation. The Commonwealth is perfectly placed to facilitate this phase and indeed is already doing so, and Commonwealth Secretary-General Sharma is planning a forthcoming meeting on climate finance and providing technical support to regional facilities.

Comprising of some of the richest to some of the most vulnerable and representing all regions and continents of the world, the Commonwealth understands the nature and value of partnerships and global cooperation and knows what it can deliver. The Commonwealth is prepared to act as a trusted partner and facilitate consensus building throughout COP16 and on to South Africa.

We expect a lot from COP16 in Cancún. This is because we know what is at stake and we know what can be achieved. Many of our members are on the front line of climate change and cannot wait indefinitely. Progress must be made promptly. Therefore the outcome of COP16 must cement the progress we have made and present us with legally binding global agreement in South Africa in 2011. To emphasise my opening comments, let us commit to being ambitious, optimistic, determined and above all, courageous. The world’s most vulnerable people cannot accept anything less.

Key Links:

• Chair-in-Office
• Port of Spain Climate Change Consensus

Related News:

• UN Climate Change Conference in Cancun
• COP16/CMP6 Host Nation Website