At the recently concluded COP 29, I had the privilege of attending the Global Climate Action High-Level Event titled “United Leadership to Accelerate Action for a Climate-Resilient Future.” The session brought together an inspiring array of global leaders, including government representatives, CEOs, finance experts, mayors, governors, and civil society organizations. Among the distinguished speakers were H.E. Adnan Amin, CEO of COP 28, H.E. Simon Stiell, UNFCCC Executive Secretary, H.E. Rozan Al Mubarak, COP 28 High-Level Champion, and H.E. Niquel Alpadorai, COP 29 High-Level Champion. Their reflections underscored the critical role of non-party stakeholders in bridging the gap between negotiations and real-world climate action.
With 2024 on track to becoming the hottest year on record and the world witnessing increasingly severe natural disasters, I was keenly interested in particularly interested in potentials of climate law, particularly the Paris Agreement and practical efforts that serves as global solution to these pressing challenges. The session offered valuable insights into the tangible progress achieved since the adoption of the Paris Agreement. Examples ranged from decarbonization efforts in Asia to climate-smart agriculture projects in Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as renewable energy initiatives in Africa- many of these advancements driven by the outcomes of the first global stocktake at COP 28, demonstrating that climate action is not merely a commitment on paper but a transformative force reshaping economies and communities worldwide. However, the progress remains uneven, with disparities evident across regions. This unevenness highlights the need for innovative collaborations and inclusive policies to ensure that all communities, particularly those most vulnerable, benefit from climate initiatives.
A key theme of the event was the indispensable role of non-party stakeholders (businesses, civil society, academia, and local governments) in bridging the gap between negotiation tables and on-the-ground implementation. As the window to limit global warming to 1.5°C rapidly closes, aligning national governments’ ambitions with the voluntary actions of non-party actors is crucial. Such alignment can propel the effective implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), emphasizing that while national governments are central to formalizing commitments, non-party stakeholders must act as champions of adaptation and mitigation, especially in addressing historical inequalities that disproportionately burden vulnerable regions.
While this year’s outcomes did not significantly advance financing for adaptation and mitigation agreed upon at COP 28, the event highlighted the overarching objective of COP 29, “closing the gap between promises and actions”- a necessity for accountability, inclusive policies, and fairness in climate action and to achieve equitable solutions, we must prioritize:
• Transparent mechanisms to track progress and hold stakeholders responsible for their commitments.
• Policies that incorporate the voices of underrepresented communities, particularly those most affected by climate impacts.
• Acknowledging and addressing historical and regional inequalities to ensure no one is left behind.
When these principles guide our collective actions, tangible commitments can transform vulnerable communities, creating a climate-resilient future for all.
The Global Climate Action High-Level Event reaffirmed my belief in the power of collective efforts to accelerate climate action, and moving forward, it is clear that only through collaboration, accountability, and equitable solutions can we address the climate crisis and achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement.
As a COP 29 delegate, I am inspired to continue advocating for climate justice and sustainable development, ensuring that these principles remain at the forefront of our global climate agenda.
Blog written by Mayowa Oniosun