RC Anders Pedersen's Remarks for UN Day 2020

Thank you, all, for joining us today to commemorate the United Nations Day.

Since 1948, 24 October is celebrated as United Nations Day marking the ratification of the UN Charter in 1945, by the majority of signatories, including the five permanent members of the Security Council.

This year, while we are marking the Day, we are focusing on Action for Climate, as UN Secretary General announced 2021 as a ‘crucial year’ for climate change.

In a statement early this year, the UN Secretary General stressed that by COP26 [which is taking place next month] at the latest, all countries need to come forward with significantly more ambitious nationally determined contributions, with 2030 targets consistent with a net zero pathway.

In August this year, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released a deeply alarming report. It shows that climate disruption caused by human activities is widespread and intensifying.

Wildfires, flooding, droughts and other extreme weather events are affecting every continent.

I think many of us have watched in horror through the news over the past months the erratic and increasing number of natural hazards, such as in July and August 2021 where droughts, fires and severe flooding have impacted different continents and countries around the world, tragically causing loss of lives, displacements, and tremendous damages.

Our window of opportunity to prevent the worst climate impacts is rapidly closing. No region or country is immune!.

The effects of climate change are particularly profound when they overlap with fragility and past or current conflicts.

In the Middle East and North Africa, including in Jordan, which are among the world’s most water-stressed and climate-vulnerable regions, a major decline in precipitation and a rise in extreme weather events is harming both water and food security.

And as the devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause immense suffering, it is undermining governments’ ability to respond to climate disasters and build resilience.

The threats are clear and present. Women and girls face severe risks from both climate change and conflict, and their meaningful participation and leadership brings more sustainable results that benefit more people.

Children and youth are among those at risk of the impacts of climate change, threatening their health, education, and protection.

Last year, more than 30 million people were displaced by climate-related disasters.

Ninety per cent of refugees come from countries that are among the most vulnerable and least able to adapt to the effects of climate change.

Many of these refugees are in turn hosted by countries that are also suffering the impacts of climate change, compounding the challenge for host communities and national budgets.

But it is not too late to act to ensure that climate action contributes to international peace and security.

Just now, on 8 October the United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a landmark resolution (A/HRC/48/13) recognizing the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. This is an important step in securing enjoyment for all people of a safe and stable climate, healthy ecosystems, a non-toxic environment, and access to justice and participation in environmental matters.

And the UN SG urged all Member States to show more ambition in their Nationally Determined Contributions by COP26 and to translate their commitments into concrete and immediate action.

Collectively, a 45 per cent cut in global emissions is needed by 2030.

Here, I congratulate Jordan for its commitments ahead of COP26 to reduce its greenhouse and carbon emissions through the government's updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).

The UN have been collaborating effectively to support the Ministry of Environment to advance climate action in the Kingdom. This collaborative spirit has resulted in the development of the National Climate Change Policy 2021-2050 under the leadership of the United Nations Development Programme and with valuable contribution from UNICEF, WFP, UNHABITATI and UN Environment.

The policy aims to achieve a pro-active, climate risk-resilient Jordan, to achieve a low carbon but growing economy, with healthy, sustainable, resilient communities, sustainable water and agricultural resources, and thriving and productive ecosystems in the path towards sustainable development.

Also the UN, led by FAO and FAO has supported national efforts in developing the national food security strategy action plan, a sector that will be hugely impacted by the climate change if no proper preparedness plans are in place.

The United Nations remain committed to support the Kingdom’s climate action policies and strategies.

Before I conclude, allow me to congratulate the Minister of Environment H.E Dr. Muawieh Radaideh for his new appointment and thank H.E Dr. Abdullah Zou’bi and his team for hosting the UN Day.