Montenegro, by participating in the largest conference dedicated to climate change, COP29, confirms its commitment to global climate goals that seek to limit global warming and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the coming years.
This was announced at a meeting dedicated to the preparations of the Montenegrin delegation for participation in the 29th Conference of the Framework Convention of the United Nations (UN) on climate change, which is being held in Baku.
The meeting was organized in the UN Eco building, with the support of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Montenegro.
As announced by UNDP, the meeting brought together key representatives of the UN in Montenegro, the ministries of ecology, sustainable development and northern development, energy and economic development, the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as the embassies of Italy, Germany, France, Croatia, North Macedonia and Slovenia.
"In order to discuss progress so far in the field of climate change, identify key challenges and set goals for the next period," the announcement added.
UNDP said that this year's COP29 conference is of particular importance, especially for the countries that are most vulnerable to climate change, including Montenegro.
As they stated, the focus will be on concrete actions that the signatory countries of the Paris Agreement must take in order to achieve the set goals.
"The implementation of new financing models and the mobilization of resources for adapting to climate change, closing the financial gap and supporting the implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) are the key topics of the conference," the statement said.
It is stated that, although on a global level, Montenegro contributes the least to climate change, it faces its harmful consequences.
"And, accordingly, it continues with ambitious plans and concrete actions aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening resistance to climate change and achieving sustainable development goals," the statement added.
UNDP reminded that, as part of the Paris Agreement, Montenegro set a goal to reduce emissions by 2030 percent by 55 compared to the base year of 1990.
Also, as they stated, through the updating of its NDCs, Montenegro shows its willingness to, in line with global efforts, increase its ambition and contribution to the fight against climate change.
Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Development of the North, Damjan Ćulafić, pointed out that Montenegro has significant steps ahead of it on the way to achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement.
He announced that by the end of the year the Government will establish a draft law on protection from the negative effects of climate change and protection of the ozone layer.
Ćulafić pointed out that climate change cannot be ignored, and that Montenegro's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, developing green and sustainable energy solutions and strengthening resistance to climate change is clear.
"Our goal is to create a better and safer future for all our citizens. Through an integrated approach and cooperation with partners from the UN system and international organizations, Montenegro will continue to contribute to the achievement of global climate goals and the fight for a sustainable future," said Ćulafić.
Permanent representative of UNDP in Montenegro, Ekaterina Paniklova, pointed out the importance of connecting climate and development policies.
"Solutions that connect these areas can enable the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and at the same time contribute to reducing the harmful effects of climate change on the most vulnerable communities," Paniklova said.
As she stated, in order to achieve real climate resilience, it is important to review the set goals every day and deal with the connection between climate change, the threat of biodiversity and land degradation.
"We must ensure that no community is left behind on this path, so inclusive and fair policies are the key to long-term success," said Paniklova.
The resident coordinator of the UN in Montenegro, Diego Sorilja, pointed out that cooperation between international and national actors is key to achieving the goals of reducing emissions and improving the adaptive capacities of countries like Montenegro.
"Here, I particularly point out the importance of engaging all sectors and making decisions that take into account the specific challenges of each country, with a focus on investing in sustainable projects that enable the reduction of climate risks," said Sorilja.
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