5–15 June 2023 | Bonn, Germany
UN Framework Convention on Climate Change – UNFCCC
Key Message: The UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies meetings represent the last big milestone in climate negotiations before the culmination of the first Global Stocktake under the Paris Agreement at COP 28 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It provides an opportunity to collectively reflect on where the world stands in terms of addressing climate change.
The Bonn Climate Change Conference concluded after two weeks of productive discussions, paving the way for important political decisions at COP28 later in the year. UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell expressed optimism about finding common ground and building bridges among nations. Progress was made on critical issues such as the global stocktake, climate finance, loss and damage, and adaptation.
“Having taken nearly two weeks to agree an agenda, it is easy to believe we are far apart on many issues, but from what I have seen and heard, there are bridges that can be built to realize the common ground we know exists,” said UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell. “World-changing agreements happen when negotiators rise to the occasion, reach out and find compromises, then manage to convince their capitals of the merit and necessity of those compromises.”
The global stocktake, which will conclude at COP28, was highlighted as a crucial moment for course correction and aligning with the goals of the Paris Agreement. The technical dialogue during the Bonn conference involved government delegates, observers, and experts engaging in discussions and roundtable events to accelerate collective progress on various aspects, including mitigation, adaptation, and means of implementation.
In September, a synthesis report will be published, capturing the key findings of the three technical dialogue meetings. It will provide technical information, good practices, and lessons learned to guide Parties and stakeholders in course-correcting and achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement.
“Pledges by Parties and their implementation are far from enough,” said Stiell. “So, the response to the stocktake will determine our success – the success of COP28, and far more importantly, success in stabilizing our climate.”
Discussions at the conference also focused on climate finance, with an emphasis on providing adequate and predictable financial support to developing countries. The establishment of a new collective quantified goal on climate finance in 2024 was considered. Additionally, progress was made on the global goal for adaptation, and the Transitional Committee worked on operationalizing funding arrangements and a new fund for addressing loss and damage.
The conference witnessed a significant increase in participants, with over 4,800 individuals from various sectors and regions attending. Indigenous peoples, local communities, businesses, cities, civil society, and youth highlighted their efforts in addressing climate change and identified challenges that need to be addressed.
COP28 will take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from 30 November to 12 December this year. It will be preceded by four Regional Climate Weeks:
- Africa Climate Week, 4-8 September in Nairobi, Kenya.
- Middle East and North Africa Climate Week, 8-12 October in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Latin America and Caribbean Climate Week, 23-27 October in Panama City, Panama
- Asia-Pacific Climate Week, in Johor, Malaysia, dates to be announced soon
