President Stevo Pendarovski, as part of his participation in the United Nations Conference on Climate Change – COP28, which is being held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, addressed today the High Level Segment of the World Summit on Climate Action.
In his address, President Pendarovski pointed out that North Macedonia, located in one of the most vulnerable climate regions in the world, the Mediterranean, is a small country with big climate ambitions and pointed out that our goal is to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 82% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.
Below is the full text of President Pendarovski’s address.
Your Excellencies,
It is not a novel fact that humanity is facing an immense climate crisis. A world devastated by climate change would be a world stricken by unimaginable human suffering. And the profound injustice is that the most vulnerable nations, populations and sectors would be disproportionately affected.
First come the vulnerable nations. Situated in one of the most climate-vulnerable regions in the world, the Mediterranean, North Macedonia is a small country with big climate ambitions. Our target is to reduce a net 82% of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. This is not an easy task. Coal power plants are our major source of electricity, but, also our biggest polluters, affecting both climate and health.
The dilemma is how to phase-out coal without jeopardizing the energy security of the country and the livelihood of communities. Despite the energy crisis, we are determined to achieve this goal by the end of the decade. North Macedonia was the first European pilot country to be selected for the Accelerated Coal Transition program by the Climate Investment Fund.
Here at COP28, together with the EBRD we will be launching the Just Energy Transition Investment Platform, which will help us mobilize the necessary funds to switch to renewables, speed up grid investments and create high-quality green jobs for mining communities. We wish to invite potential partners and donors to join this platform and prove that just energy transition is not only necessary, but also possible and affordable. By doing so, we will comply with the EU Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency Pledge.
Second are the vulnerable populations, such as children. We support the completion of the first Global Stocktake, the adoption of the Global Goal on Adaptation Framework and making the Loss and Damage Fund operationally viable. In order to be truly fair and impartial, all systems must integrate the needs and respect the rights of children.
Third are the vulnerable sectors, such as health. Tackling climate change could be an opportunity to develop climate and disaster-resilient health systems. To this end, we fully support the Declaration on Climate and Health.
Finally, by caring for the planet and the people, for the ecosystems and the economy, we will reduce energy insecurity, and contribute to much needed peace and security. Vulnerability can be an excuse for desperation, or a chance for action.
Let’s choose the second option.
Thank you.
