REMARKS

UNDP Resident Representative Denise E Antonio

Pre-COP 26 Conversations & Launch of Jamaica’s NDC Partnership Plan

Wednesday, 29 September 2021

Acknowledgements:

• The Honourable Pearnel Charles Jr. – Minister of Housing, Urban Renewal, Environment and Climate Change
• Ms Una May Gordon- Principal Director, Climate Change Division
• Dr Pablo Vieria – Global Director NDC Partnership
• Mr. Oliver Blake – Jamaica Development Representative and Team Leader, Governance & Security, British High Commission
• Representatives from the public and private sectors
• Development partners
•  Representatives from the Media

·      Other Distinguished Guests

Good Morning.

I am delighted to participate in this ground-breaking event - the 26^th Pre- Conference of Parties Conversations and Launch of Jamaica’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) Partnership Plan.  This year’s theme, “Towards a Low-Carbon and Climate Resilient Future for Jamaica” is as timely as it is important.  

The recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, which will be discussed today, paints a picture of urgency, and re-emphasizes the collective need to be deliberate in our national actions to ensure the targets of SDG 13- Climate Action and commitments made under the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees by 2030 are realised.  The National Determined Contributions, (NDCs) and their implementation, are key to achieving these commitments.

UNDP has had the distinct pleasure of collaborating with the Government of Jamaica in advancing its climate change agenda including events such as these which create a unique opportunity for policy makers, academia, development partners, civil society, private sector, youth, and a suite of other stakeholders to engage in participatory discourse on pertinent Climate Change matters in Jamaica and the world. We commend the Government of Jamaica for creating and maintaining this platform for dialogue and information sharing.

The NDC Partnership, which is currently co-chaired by Minister Charles, is an important global mechanism through which countries can accelerate and realise their respective mitigation and adaptation commitments. I commend the Government of Jamaica for its continued leadership and commitment to the implementation of the 2015 Paris Agreement as evidenced by the launch of its NDC Partnership Plan and updated and ambitious 2020 NDC.  Well done!

UNDP is honoured to be one of several entities committed to providing support to countries through this coalition. This work forms part of our development mandate and is articulated in our Climate Promise, to support countries in taking bold action to reduce emissions, increase climate resilience and advance the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

We are committed to strengthening our partnership with the Government of Jamaica and other local stakeholders to improve climate change resilience, support the development of the green economy and promote green recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.  

We hope that the discussions here will be a catalyst for tangible and sustained actions and set the stage for deliberations at COP26 as Jamaica continues to play her part in advancing the welfare of the whole human race, leaving no one behind.

 Thank You.