Excellencies, distinguished participants, ladies and gentlemen,
I am very pleased to welcome you all to the 3rd Forum on Carbon Neutrality Goals of China, Japan and the Republic of Korea.
My special thanks to the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS) and the Climate Action Team of the Executive Office of the United Nations Secretary-General (EOSG/CAT) for co-organizing and hosting this very important event.
Our gathering today finds momentum from a heightened global consensus, stemming from COP28 on transitioning justly and equitably away from fossil fuels.
This aligns with the critical need to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 43 per cent by 2030 relative to 2019 levels, underpinning our endeavors to cap global warming at 1.5°C.
The findings from the Asia-Pacific SDG Progress Report 2024 are alarming.
Specifically, the Goals on Affordable and Clean Energy (Goal 7) and Climate Action (Goal 13) stand out as pivotal for our collective transformative actions to accelerate much-needed progress on SDG implementation.
Despite some progress, we are regressing in climate action, highlighting an urgent call to reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly by 2030. These challenges underscore the inseparable nature of our fight against climate change and our goal towards carbon neutrality.
In light of the reaffirmed commitments by China, Japan and the Republic of Korea to achieve net-zero emissions by mid-century and their leadership in elevating climate action, it is clear that our collective action is more vital than ever.
These endeavors resonate with the collective voice from ESCAP member States with their resolution adopted during the 79th session of the Commission in May 2023, which emphasized the imperative for accelerated climate action and sustainable energy transition and called on us to embrace cooperation, innovate in clean energy technologies and ensure equitable transitions.
Distinguished participants,
This forum's focus is on digital innovation and just transition is not only timely but essential. The transformative potential of digital technologies in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of our climate actions cannot be overstated.
The Global Stocktake at COP28 highlighted this, urging international cooperation, especially with the private sector, to bridge technology gaps and ensure the rapid deployment of clean technologies.
However, as we embrace innovation, we must navigate its challenges wisely, ensuring that our approaches remain holistic, inclusive, practical as well as sustainable.
As we integrate these principles into our Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Long-Term Climate Strategies, it is imperative to consider the impacts on all sectors of society, particularly the most vulnerable.
In closing, I extend my deepest gratitude to all participants for your unwavering commitment and contributions. I am delighted to note that the outcomes of our engagements today will contribute to the dialogue on subregional cooperation during the upcoming 80th session of the Commission in April of this year.
Thank you, and I am looking forward to fruitful discussions during this Forum.
