ECO Secretary General Ambassador Khusrav Noziri participated virtually in the 79th session of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) guided by the theme of “accelerating climate action in Asia and the Pacific for sustainable development”, organized by ESCAP in Bangkok, Thailand, on May 16, 2023.
Expressing ECO’s determination to reinforce the environmental and climate change cooperation in the region in line with the aspirations of its member states, the ECO Secretary General emphasized the significance of identifying and agreeing on one or two priorities as a common denominator for climate action and collaboration at regional and sub-regional levels. While mentioning some possible areas for accelerating climate action in the regional context, he underscored the global scale of the subject matter, the issues related to historical responsibility, and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR) as a guide to future action.
Ambassador Noziri, referring to the complexity of shifting to low-carbon growth, especially in a region with huge dependence on fossil fuels and limited resources and capacity, stipulated: “Our region for reversing the regressing trend and focusing on priority areas for collaboration requires proportionate means of implementation including adequate technical and financial assistance. Let’s not forget that we need not only a green, but also a just and inclusive transition.” He further highlighted that “sustainable climate finance access, mobilization, and capacity-building for developing countries in our region should be assured by the United Nations relevant bodies and multilateral development partners and banks. Adequate and appropriate access to technologies is also requisite for climate change action which cannot be realized only through purely market-based approaches.”
