HIGH-LEVEL SIDE EVENT AT: UN Climate Change Conference COP28

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Saturday, 02 December 2023 - 10:00am to 11:30am

Background

The High-level Meeting of the Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) on "Addressing unique climate vulnerability of LLDCs through partnerships" seeks to spotlight the urgent and specific challenges faced by landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) in the realm of climate change. As we convene, it is crucial to acknowledge that these nations, comprising 32 countries, confront heightened exposure to climate-related disasters, water stress, and economic vulnerabilities. Their structural limitations, combined with geographical and climatic constraints, make them disproportionately susceptible to the adverse impacts of climate change.

To address these challenges, the meeting will emphasize the imperative for immediate and substantial action. This includes mobilizing the necessary financial resources to support adaptation and mitigation efforts in LLDCs, fulfilling global climate finance commitments, and operationalizing the Loss and Damage Fund with adequate funding. A balanced approach that prioritizes both adaptation and mitigation, along with technology transfer and capacity building, will be highlighted as essential components of a comprehensive strategy.

Objectives

This event will deliberate on the impacts of climate challenges faced by LLDCs and identify their needs to adapt and mitigate the impacts. Representatives of the LLDCs, transit countries, development partners and other stakeholders will share their experiences, good practices and recommendations to accelerate climate change adaptation and mitigation action to foster sustainable development in LLDCs.

Participants

Heads of State and Government, Ministers, Heads of Delegation, and climate experts from 32 LLDCs, transit countries, development partners and other stakeholders at the COP28.

Programme

OPENING SESSION	10:00-10:20 AM
His Excellency Mr. Mokgweetsi Masisi, President of the Republic of Botswana and Chair of the Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCS); His Excellency Mr. Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda and host country of the Third UN Conference on LLDCs (TBC); Development Partner (TBC) His Excellency Mr. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations.
KEYNOTE ADDRESS	10:20-10:30 AM
Mr. Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) (TBC); Dasho Mr. Sonam P. Wangdi, Former Secretary of the National Environment Commission of the Royal Government of Bhutan and former Chair of the LDCs in UNFCCC (TBC).
INTERACTIVE DISCUSSIONS	10:30-11:20 AM
Remarks by the Heads of State and Government and Heads of delegation from the LLDCs and the development partner countries.
CLOSING SESSION AND ADOPTION OF THE OUTCOME	11:20-11:30 AM
His Excellency Mr. Mokgweetsi Masisi, President of the Republic of Botswana and Chair of the landlocked developing countries; Her Excellency Ms. Rabab Fatima, Under Secretary-General and High Representative and Secretary-General of the Third UN Conference on LLDCs.