Delivered by: HE Mohamed Abushahab, Ambassador and Permanent Representative

Thank you, Ambassador Jose Blanco, for hosting today’s important discussion. Thank you, Executive Director Russell. We are grateful to UNICEF for its vital work in ensuring that we take steps to protect children from the impacts of climate change and amplify their voices for climate action. I also thank both the high-level and young speakers today for their valuable – and indeed inspiring – contributions.

The United Arab Emirates is proud to deliver this statement on behalf of the Troika of COP Presidencies – namely Azerbaijan, Brazil, and my own country, the UAE. This mechanism between the current and upcoming COP presidencies, mandated by the UAE Consensus adopted at COP28, unites our three countries in an ambitious mission with a roadmap that builds on international cooperation to accelerate climate action.

Natural disasters, resource insecurity, and the spread of disease are just a few of the many adverse impacts of climate change on the health and well-being of vulnerable populations, including over one billion children.

In this regard, I would like to highlight three areas where the Troika is seeking to make lasting impact:

First and foremost, the Troika is working hard to mitigate climate change and keep 1.5 degrees Celsius within reach. At COP28 in Dubai last year, we came together as a unified global community to launch the ‘Roadmap to Mission 1.5’, to accelerate cooperation, and to stimulate ambition in the next round of Nationally Determined Contributions. Mission 1.5 is a mission of hope. We need to align existing NDCs with the 1.5 temperature goal as much as possible now, and back them up with equally ambitious financing that will get us to net-zero emissions by 2050. This reality reminds us of the urgency of this moment and makes us accountable to future generations for protecting the planet.

Second, recognizing that children and youth are among our greatest assets in the fight against the climate crisis, the Troika will continue to promote their meaningful engagement. Their voices and perspectives are relevant to our response. This is why COP28 established the position of Youth Climate Champion: to amplify the voices of young people. This is an essential role that will continue with COP29’s Youth Climate Champion in Baku. The YCC and the voices of children will remain an important component of the next two COPs and beyond.

Finally, given the far-reaching effects of the climate crisis, the Troika emphasizes the importance of the provision of climate finance, including for adaptation, resilient infrastructure and societies that better safeguard children. By investing in resilient infrastructure that can withstand the impacts of climate change, weensure the protection of children’s education, health, and livelihood.It is up to us to connect the resources available to the international community in order to accelerate ambitious action on climate commitments. The outcomes of the discussions at COP29 on the new collective quantified goal on climate finance will be critical to that end.

Colleagues, we are at a critical juncture in our fight against climate change. So let us use today’s Special Focus Session to reaffirm our collective responsibility for taking urgent action to create a better world – one that is worthy of our children.

Thank you.