Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Seychelles President Wavel Ramkalawan has called for a revision in financing mechanisms by multilateral and international financial organizations to facilitate access to concessionary funding for climate action for small island developing states (SIDS) like Seychelles. This plea was made during his statement at the G77 and China Leaders’ Summit held on the margins of the United Nations Conference of Parties (COP28) in Dubai.
According to Seychelles News Agency, in a press release from State House on Sunday, President Ramkalawan highlighted the importance of decisive commitments and actions for climate protection, emphasizing the urgency for governments to deliver on past pledges and present stronger national climate plans. “The time for rhetoric and posturing is over,” he said, underscoring the need for definitive actions at COP28 to benefit people, nature, and the climate.
Ramkalawan acknowledged the progress made since the COP21 Paris Agreement, including the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund. However, he stressed the continuing rise in global greenhouse gas emissions and the imperative need for a transition to a low-carbon global economy.
Seychelles, according to Ramkalawan, has seen significant climate action spurred by the Paris Agreement, including enhancements in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). He pointed out the increase in adaptation planning and climate finance mobilization, which has begun to benefit frontline coastal communities facing climate change impacts.
The President reiterated Seychelles’ urgent need for concessionary funding to meet its NDC targets and called for major emitters to develop more ambitious strategies to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Founded on June 15, 1964, the G77 plus China represents developing countries’ interests in international forums, including the United Nations.
As chair of the African Island States Climate Commission, Ramkalawan also delivered a statement at the African Union high-level side event on Africa Multi-Hazard Early Warning and Early Action System. He drew attention to the disproportionate burden of climate change on African coastal nations, emphasizing the importance of ambitious emission reduction strategies by major emitters.
During his visit to the Seychelles Pavilion at Expo City in Dubai, Ramkalawan interacted with Seychellois participants of the conference, showcasing Seychelles’ commitment and contributions to the global climate change discourse.