COP24: A Collective Awakening is Necessary to Face up Challenges –King of Morocco

King Mohammed VI has stressed the urgent need for a collective awakening on the part of all countries to face up the huge challenges posed by climate change and for a reinforced solidarity between states to materialize transition towards an appropriate economic model.

In a message he addressed to the 24th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP24), which opened Monday in Katowice, Poland, the King pointed out that “because of the magnitude of the challenges faced, I think a collective awakening is necessary. It should help us reinforce solidarity between countries and make sure the transition towards an appropriate economic model becomes a reality.

“Although the international community’s enthusiasm has somewhat waned recently, my most cherished hope is that it will still enable us to achieve that goal,” he said in the message that was read out by Prince Moulay Rachid, the King’s younger brother.

Expressing hope that this COP24 will reinforce the commitment already made by the international community regarding climate change, he said, however, that “today, the goal is no longer simply to reiterate our commitments.”

“It seems to me it is crucial to take concrete, proactive measures through constant mobilization for the benefit of developing countries in terms of the transfer of technology and the honoring of financial commitments made to them,” he said.

The Sovereign recalled that as Chair of the COP22, Morocco has worked untiringly to consolidate the momentum created by the signing of the Paris Agreement and has thus sought to ensure the implementation of the Marrakech Action Proclamation for our Climate and Sustainable Development, and of the Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action.

Sounding the alarm regarding the situation in Africa, he pointed out that “the African continent is severely affected by the negative impacts of climate change even though Africa bears no responsibility for this unjust situation.”

“Africa is not getting support from international partners and donors,” he deplored adding that Morocco, guided by its commitment to African causes, “is assisting with the actual setting up of the three climate commissions created by the Summit of African Heads of State and Government held on the sidelines of the 22nd Conference of the Parties on climate change.” “They concern the Congo Basin, the Sahel region and Island States,” he recalled.

Renewing Morocco’s pledges to remain as mobilized and determined as ever, be it at the domestic, continental or international level, the Sovereign said environmental issues and climate-related challenges are priorities in the Kingdom’s national policies.

“My country’s ambition, in this regard, is reflected by its “intended nationally determined Contribution” to reducing greenhouse gas emissions as well as by its National Renewable Energy Program,” the king said.