UN Climate Summit to Focus on Strengthening National Climate Pledges
NEW YORK - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will convene a Climate Summit in New York on September 24th, during the UN General Assembly, with a central goal of accelerating climate action and bolstering countries’ Nationally Steadfast Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. Finland will be represented at the summit by Minister of Climate and the Environment Sari Multala.
The summit arrives at a critical juncture as global efforts to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius face increasing challenges. Minister Multala emphasized the need for greater ambition, notably from major economies, stating, “more enterprising measures will be needed especially in large economies in order that we do not lose sight of the targets set in the Paris Agreement.” She also highlighted the importance of the European Union updating its contributions ahead of the upcoming Climate Conference in Belém.
EU environment and climate ministers reached a consensus in Brussels on Thursday,outlining a commitment to reduce emissions by 66.25-72.5% by 2035. The EU intends to finalize updated NDCs before the Belém conference, fulfilling the Paris Agreement’s requirement for parties to revise their climate pledges every five years – with the next submissions due prior to COP30.
Finland’s delegation to UN General Assembly week will be led by President Alexander Stubb, with Minister multala joined by Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen, Minister for Foreign Trade and Growth Ville Tavio, and Minister of Social Security Sanni Grahn-Laasonen as deputy heads.
Minister Multala’s participation extends beyond the main summit,encompassing events focused on the energy transition,carbon capture technologies,and the Arctic’s role in climate change.She will also participate in a high-level dialog addressing preparedness for climate-related natural disasters and extreme whether.
Prior to the summit, Multala will join the High Ambition Coalition, contributing to a joint declaration supporting preparations for COP30. Bilateral meetings with international leaders and organizations are also planned, where she will promote Finnish climate solutions and explore export opportunities.
Contact:
Lydia Ylönen
special Adviser to Minister Multala
+358 50 476 1341
[email protected]
Marjo Nummelin
Finland’s Chief Negotiator
+358 40 523 3710
[email protected]