At the recent COP30 Baku Hub Annual High-Level Dialogue in Belém, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Bureau Director Marcos Neto emphasized the necessity for countries to align climate finance efforts with peacebuilding initiatives. He expressed concern over the “new era of uncertainty and risks” created by climate change and geopolitical issues, particularly highlighting the plight of nations highly vulnerable to climate impacts, which also tend to be the most fragile and least equipped to manage these challenges.
Reflecting on the urgent need for equitable distribution of climate finance, Neto stated that many of the world’s most at-risk regions require substantially more support than they currently receive. He remarked, “Over the last three years, UNDP has provided technical support to over 30 countries dealing with the intersection of climate, conflict, and fragility.” This initiative is vital as these nations face dual threats that exacerbate their vulnerabilities.
Neto provided examples of targeted UNDP projects, such as the establishment of Climate and Peace Hubs in northwest Nigeria designed to promote conflict-sensitive and climate-resilient livelihoods. He also pointed to support for women peacemakers in Papua New Guinea and efforts to aid widowed, women-headed households in the Philippines through climate-resilient livelihood initiatives.
The commitment of the UNDP to ensuring that climate finance reaches those who need it most was clear, as Neto elaborated on the organization’s collaboration with other UN bodies to mitigate climate-related stressors that threaten stability. He underscored the significance of local leadership in climate action, insisting that grassroots engagement is essential to achieving sustainable development goals.
Moreover, Neto highlighted multiple collaborative efforts to advance the climate agenda within the UNFCCC framework, including the COP27’s “Climate Responses for Sustaining Peace” initiative and partnerships with the COP28 and COP29 Presidencies. He mentioned the success of the Climate, Peace and Security Expert Academy, which has trained over 245 policymakers and youth leaders from diverse nations, fostering knowledge and dialogue on these urgent issues.
As the world grapples with climate crises, Neto’s comments at COP30 resonate with a hopeful message: the combined efforts of nations can lead to innovative solutions and meaningful change. His emphasis on the need for strategic partnerships and locally driven actions lays the groundwork for resilience and progress in the face of daunting climate challenges. With a growing consensus on the urgency of these issues, there is optimism that international collaboration can turn the tide on climate impacts, ultimately benefiting communities at risk.