The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
UNOPS at COP28: Unite. Act. Deliver
UNOPS signed a historic agreement with the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, and led and participated in more than 30 events with partners focused on concrete and collaborative solutions to advance climate action.
At the 28th Convention on Climate Change (COP28) held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, UNOPS joined global leaders, the UN family, thought leaders, experts and more to advance climate action.
One of the most significant outcomes was an agreement on addressing loss and damage. Agreed at COP28, UNOPS and the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) will host the Santiago network secretariat which aims to avert, minimize and address loss and damage from the impacts of climate change.
This network will play a key role in offering technical help, improving skills, and linking various groups, knowledge hubs and research bodies.
Its goal is to develop projects that meet the specific needs of countries hardest hit by climate issues. By combining different types of resources and knowledge, the network will be vital in helping these countries deal with the negative impacts of climate change. It will make sure projects are customized to their specific problems and requirements.
"Climate change is leading to devastation and the capacity to confront this needs to be strengthened – this is exactly the aim of the Santiago network and why it is essential that we urgently operationalize it,” said Jorge Moreira da Silva, UN Under-Secretary-General and UNOPS Executive Director, and Mami Mizutori, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction and Head of UNDRR, in a joint statement.
"Collectively, we have the tools, the know-how and now we have the commitment to ensure that support will be fast-tracked to the developing countries on the front line of the climate emergency. UNDRR and UNOPS are committed to moving quickly on the full operationalization of the network," added Mami Mizutori and Jorge Moreira da Silva.
Over the 12-day conference, UNOPS hosted more than 20 panel discussions at the UNOPS pavilion and participated in several other high-level events. From advancing climate action through inclusive infrastructure and nature-based solutions to addressing displacement and building back better after climate disasters, one thing was made clear: climate action cannot wait.
Over the past 12 days, the UNOPS family has successfully organized over 20 events, along with ongoing exhibitions. We've had the opportunity to engage with numerous friends and partners during this time.
“The discussions and insights shared have been truly motivating. As we conclude COP28, we feel energized and eager to put fresh ideas into action. This is exactly what we do, action on the ground delivering for communities that need it most,” explained Émilie Potvin, UNOPS Director of Partnerships and Liaison Group.
“The outcomes of COP28 are undoubtedly significant, but we know that this is the start of the longer journey. UNOPS, along with our partners, is fully prepared to continue tackling the climate crisis and to recommit to achieving the objectives of the 2030 agenda,” she added.
Also on the sidelines of COP28, UNOPS and Sustainable Energy for All (SEforAll) signed a new partnership to help African countries advance climate action and universal access to clean energy.
“Africa’s rapid economic expansion calls for sustainable solutions to meet growing energy needs and this is one of the core development challenges for the continent,” said UNOPS Executive Director Jorge Moreira da Silva.
“UNOPS is committed to supporting Africa in its efforts to provide access to energy for all, and to ensure that the clean energy transition delivers for Africa's economic and social development,” he added.
Visit our Flickr album to see more pictures from COP28.
