Participation of the PABSEC International Secretariat in the IPU Meeting “Strengthening Parliamentary Action at COP28: A virtual briefing and knowledge exchange for parliaments”, 25 May 2023
Mr. Daniel Dulca, PABSEC Deputy Secretary General, attended the online parliamentary meeting jointly organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), on 25 May 2023.
The meeting was attended by parliamentarians, experts, parliamentary staff and representatives of international organizations, in particular those who are working on issues related to climate change, environment and sustainable development.
The event was moderated by Mr. Suds Sarronwala, Chief Impact Officer at Infarm and it had as main speakers: Ms. Cecilia Kinuthia-Njenga, Director of Intergovernmental Support and Collective Progress, UNFCCC, Ms. Meera Sultan Al-Suwaidi, member of FNC Parliamentary Division of the Federal National Council at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Mr. Hoesung Lee, Chair, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and Mr. Thomas Fitzsimons, Director of Communications, IPU.
The meeting provided the participants with a briefing on the latest scientific insights, following the March 2023 release of the IPCC Synthesis Report, its impact on the discussions at COP28 and also an overview of the event, including the main topics expected to be addressed by the Parties and an introduction to the Global Stocktake process.
By involving the parliaments in issues regarding the key climate science and the COP28, it is expected that they will be able to play a more important role in their countries’ approach on climate change, so that to raise awareness, at the national level, on the climate issues.
In this respect, Parliaments, with their legislative, budgetary and representation functions, are essential in ensuring the implementation of the international climate change agreements, at the national level. By holding their governments accountable, parliaments can help ensure that the Paris Agreement, including the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), are translated into real action, based on appropriate budgets and legislation, in their respective countries.
The meeting concluded with a Q&A session and an interactive discussion between experts and parliamentarians.