The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
“Infrastructure is vital to mitigate and adapt” - UNOPS Executive Director
Speaking at the opening of COP28, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and UNOPS Executive Director, Jorge Moreira da Silva said:
"As we gather at COP28, the critical role between climate action and infrastructure has never been more evident. Our world faces unprecedented challenges: rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and an urgent need for sustainable development.
“At UNOPS, we understand that sustainable infrastructure can be a viable solution to many of the problems that come with climate change. 92 percent of the Sustainable Development Goals targets depend on infrastructure. Yet infrastructure also accounts for almost 80 per cent of all greenhouse gas emissions.
“Our goal at COP28 is to address these challenges head-on, advocating for infrastructure that not only withstands climate impacts but actively contributes to a more resilient, sustainable future.
“Together, we can transform our approach to infrastructure, ensuring it fosters climate-compatible development and propels global efforts towards a more resilient tomorrow.
“Our message here is straightforward: resilient, well-planned infrastructure is not just essential for our survival; it's a vital tool in our challenge to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of a changing climate.”
