Press release

Alok Sharma brings 51 countries together for critical climate discussions ahead of COP26

Ministers to lay groundwork for success before November's summit

• From: Cabinet Office and The Rt Hon Lord Alok Sharma KCMG
• Published: 25 July 2021

This was published under the 2019 to 2022 Johnson Conservative government

• Ministers arrive in London to discuss key issues that require resolution at COP26

• COP26 President hopes to build common ground and sketch the outline of the Glasgow outcome ahead of summit

• US, India, China among 50+ countries represented at two-day ministerial meeting in a combination of virtual and in-person attendance

Today [Sunday] the COP26 President-Designate, Alok Sharma, will bring climate and environment ministers and representatives from more than 50 countries together to lay the groundwork for success ahead of November’s COP26 negotiations.

The event marks the first face-to-face ministerial of its kind in more than 18 months. With fewer than 100 days to go until the critical UN climate change conference, Mr Sharma is convening the meeting in London to shape the vision of the final outcomes from COP26, and build a “unity of purpose to deliver them”.

The two-day meeting will see major emitters like the US and China in discussion with countries that are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, such as Jamaica, Costa Rica, Rwanda and The Marshall Islands.

The ministerial will cover the UK COP Presidency’s key goal of keeping the critical 1.5C temperature rise limit alive. Topics under discussion include mobilising climate finance, scaling up efforts to adapt to the impacts of climate change, loss and damage caused by climate change, and finalising the “rulebook” for implementation of the Paris Agreement, with a focus on Article 6, which sets out how countries can reduce emissions using international carbon markets and non-market approaches.

Ahead of the ministerial, Alok Sharma said:

We are facing perilous times for our planet and the only way we will safeguard its future is if countries are on the same path. As ministers responsible for tackling climate change, we hold the weight of the world on our shoulders, and the next two days will be nothing short of critical.

With Parties coming from differing standpoints and perspectives, the world will be watching to see whether we come together in Glasgow and do what is necessary to turn things around in this decisive decade. So it is essential that together we roll up our sleeves, find common ground and collectively draw out how we will build a greener, brighter future for our children and future generations.

The UK intends for the informal, closed-door meeting to encourage frank conversations so that Parties can find ways forward when they meet again in November. The COP26 President added:

Ministers should not be afraid to draw out areas of disagreement whilst maintaining a spirit of cooperation. I hope that we can use this opportunity to discuss tangible solutions, and that our friends leave this meeting with a clearer vision of the final outcomes from Glasgow, as well as a unity of purpose to deliver them.

Mr Sharma will remind ministers that to achieve the goal of keeping 1.5 degrees within reach, we must put the planet on a path to driving down emissions with mid-century net zero commitments and ambitious 2030 emissions reduction targets; protect people and nature from the impacts of climate change; get finance flowing to climate action, and work together to ensure the negotiations are a success. He will also stress the need for urgent action to phase out coal and internal combustion engine vehicles, as well as to end deforestation.

And he will reiterate his commitment to ensuring all voices are heard throughout the COP26 process. While the majority of participants will attend in person so as to build strong inter-ministerial relationships ahead of Glasgow, the COP Presidency has facilitated virtual participation for those unable to travel to London.

Ends

Notes to editors:

1. Representatives from the following Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) are expected to participate:

• Antigua & Barbuda

• Argentina

• Australia

• Bangladesh

• Barbados

• Belize

• Bolivia

• Brazil

• Canada

• Chile

• China

• Colombia

• Costa Rica

• Cuba

• Denmark

• DRC

• Egypt

• Ethiopia

• European Union

• Fiji

• France

• Gabon

• Germany

• Grenada

• Guinea

• India

• Indonesia

• Italy

• Jamaica

• Japan

• Kenya

• The Marshall Islands

• Morocco

• New Zealand

• Norway

• Pakistan

• Papua New Guinea

• Peru

• Poland

• Russia

• Rwanda

• Saudi Arabia

• Singapore

• Slovenia

• South Africa

• South Korea

• Spain

• Sweden

• Switzerland

• Turkey

• UAE

• USA

1. The COP26 International Champion for Adaptation and Resilience, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, UN Deputy Secretary General Amina Mohammed, and UNFCCC Executive Secretary Patricia Espinosa, as well as the Chairs of the UNFCCC Subsidiary Body for Implementation and UNFCCC Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice will also be in attendance.

2. Participants have been invited to attend in person so as to help build relationships and ensure a representative and diverse range of voices are heard. The COP Presidency has worked closely with Public Health England and NHS Test & Trace to ensure appropriate COVID-19 protocols are followed including daily testing and social distancing measures.

Published 25 July 2021