COP26: HM the King Underlines Need for Fairer Commitment towards Broad Category of Humankind that Does not Benefit Equitably from Global Economic System

In a speech delivered to the 26th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change COP26, HM King Mohammed VI emphasized the urgent need for real political will and a more equitable commitment to a broad category of humanity that is currently bearing the brunt of a global economic system from which it is not benefiting equitably.

“With the growing number of reports by climate change experts, everyone now realizes that the gloomiest predictions have unfortunately become a bitter reality,” The Sovereign mentioned this in his speech, which was read out by the Head of Government, Aziz Akhannouch, on Monday in Glasgow (Scotland), which is hosting the COP26 negotiations (1-12 November).

“Mankind has but one of two choices: either surrender to self-destructing apathy, or engage honestly and unequivocally in a set of practical measures that can rapidly effect a real change in the current policy, which has proven its ineffectiveness,” the Monarch pointed out.

According to HM the King, the worldwide response to the threat of the covid-19 epidemic has demonstrated that there are possibilities and means that were supposedly unattainable when it comes to addressing climate change.

A number of countries, which bear historical and moral responsibility for the current deterioration of the environmental situation, have managed to come up with enormous financial resources, the Sovereign emphasized, adding that experience has shown that it is possible to reduce these countries’ activities that are harmful to the climate and the environment without uncontrollable consequences.

Concerning the damage done to Africa as a result of climate change, the Monarch emphasized that the inadequate financial and technological support supplied is a harsh indicator of the current international system’s failures.

“It is our hope that this COP26 session will stimulate a global collective awareness which would pave the way for the establishment of sustainable, solidarity-based human communities that uphold the values of fairness and coexistence,” HM the King said.

With that solid belief in mind, Morocco has been strengthening its multifaceted commitment to addressing climate concerns, pledging to increase its Nationally Determined Contribution to lowering greenhouse gas emissions by 45.5 percent by 2030, according to the Sovereign.

This is part of an integrated, low-carbon development strategy that will be implemented by 2050 with the goal of assisting in the transition to a green economy that is in line with the sustainable development goals, as well as enhancing resilience and adaptation to protect the environment, both of which are pillars of the Kingdom’s new development model, the Monarch added.

With the same resolve, Morocco has increased its engagement, along with African sister nations, to confront the destructive effects of climate change, HM the King said, recalling that the Kingdom has launched initiatives for agricultural adaptation, security and stability promotion, and access to sustainable energy, in addition to establishing the three African Climate Commissions within the framework of the Africa Action Summit, which was held in Marrakesh.

According to the Sovereign, the changes that must be implemented to mitigate the effects of the climate crisis are well known, and the international community should not pause but rather move forward and activate tangible solutions with a specific implementation agenda, backed by strong political will, to change the world’s worrying trajectory.

“We are calling for an awakening of the global conscience and for a collective, responsible commitment to tackle climate change in order to ensure a better future for all humankind,” the Monarch pointed out.