Iraq’s Representative to UN and Chair of Group of 77 and China Receives Special Adviser to Secretary General on Climate Action and Just Transition

Iraq’s Representative to the United Nations in New York and Chair of the Group of 77 and China, Dr. Abbas Kadhom Obaid, received the Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Climate Action and Just Transition Mr. Selwin Charles Hart. During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the G 77 and China and United Nations in the field of climate action and just transition, in a way that serves the interests of developing countries and contributes to achieving the sustainable development goals.

At the beginning of the meeting, the representative of Iraq, in his capacity as Chair of the Group of 77 and China, gave a presentation on the group’s common priorities and visions regarding climate action and indicated the challenges that hinder the implementation of climate commitments, especially in light of the existing gaps in financing, technology transfer and capacity building, as well as he affirmed that implementing these commitments is a shared responsibility among all parties, including developed countries, to ensure the achievement of the goals stipulated in the Paris Climate Agreement.

Dr. Obaid pointed out that Iraq, through its presidency of the group, seeks to strengthen relations with the entities and agencies of the United Nations and benefit from its institutional roles, in accordance with its mandate, in supporting the Group of 77 and China through exchanging experiences, applying best practices, and building the capacities of member states. He also reviewed the activities and meetings held by the presidency of the group to narrow gaps and bring viewpoints closer, whether within the group or with other members of the United Nations.

On his part, Mr. Hart expressed his appreciation for the efforts made by the presidency of the Group of 77 and China, stressing his and his team’s readiness to provide all forms of support to the group, its presidency, and its negotiators, in addition he welcomed the request of the President of the Group to prepare negotiating workshops for the group’s coordinators and the Iraqi negotiating team, on various negotiating items, to enhance the capacities of developing countries in climate negotiations, affirming the keenness of the Secretary-General of the United Nations to provide the necessary support to the group in this context.

At the end of the meeting, Dr. Obaid thanked the Special Adviser to the Secretary General, expressing his appreciation for the rapid response, positive initiative, and readiness to cooperate with the Group of 77 and China, and he emphasized that the unity of the group is a key factor for the success of this year’s climate action conferences, on which the international community has high hopes for achieving tangible progress in addressing climate challenges.

The two parties agreed to form a presidency support team that includes representatives of relevant UN bodies and entities, including specialized agencies and offices. It was also decided to hold a joint meeting next March, in the presence of the President of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30), representing Brazil, with the aim of unifying positions and setting practical paths to achieve the common goals sought by the group.

This meeting comes within the framework of the ongoing efforts made by the Iraqi chairmanship of the Group of 77 and China to enhance international cooperation in the field of climate action, and support developing countries in facing environmental challenges, in a way that ensures a fair and sustainable transition towards a green economy.