Rabat – “This session is a real opportunity to move beyond positional statements” and make tangible progress in the UNFCCC process, President-Designate of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP26) Alok Sharma said Monday.

We need to work together to “consolidate our options and draft texts that we can bring to COP26” for finalization and adoption, Sharma stressed during an online speech before the opening of the virtual sessions of the permanent subsidiary bodies of the UN Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Sharma called for stepping up the global response to the climate crisis demonstrating the same urgency as shown in fighting the coronavirus pandemic.

“We must arrive in Glasgow while having done our homework and ready to reach agreement that keeps 1.5 degrees within reach. Agreements that protect people and nature from impacts of climate change. Agreement that mobilizes, finance and encourages cooperation across society to deliver the goals of Paris Agreement,” Sharma exhorted.

The UN Climate Change subsidiary bodies sessions, taking place from 31 May to 17 June 2021, are held virtually. Sessions will allow Parties to make progress on the high volume of work accumulated in the absence of sessions in 2020. In order to maximize progress and minimize further delays, this session is a valuable opportunity to advance work in preparation for the UN Climate Change Conference COP 26 in Glasgow in November.