Alok Sharma speaks at launch of UNFCC Regional Climate Weeks

Good afternoon.

Climate change is one of the greatest challenges faced by the world.

And it will take the world to address it.

Last week saw the publication of the initial NDC synthesis report, which shows that national governments must urgently do more to reduce emissions.

And while we are committed to a positive outcome to the COP26 negotiations, we recognise that, ultimately, addressing the climate crisis requires more than national governments.

It requires cities and regions, business and civil society to unite behind the Paris Agreement.

And it requires us to work together.

That is why enhancing collaboration, internationally and across society, is a central theme of the UK’s COP26 Presidency.

And we have established new forums like the Adaptation Action Coalition, for example.

And the COP Energy Transition Council.

And we are fully behind our brilliant UN High-Level Climate Champions and their Race to Zero and Race to Resilience calls to action.

And we are backing these Regional Climate Weeks to the hilt.

So it is a pleasure to join you today to launch them.

These events are a unique opportunity.

They are an opportunity to come together and drive practical action in every region and sector, to help implement the Paris Agreement.

To build partnerships and share solutions between governments and across society.

And I know our COP26 regional ambassadors, and the High-Level Champions are looking forward to joining your conversations.

And I very much hope and expect that these will have real impact.

Because, together, with partnership and collaboration, and the ambition and the commitment, we can make the Paris Agreement a reality.

Thank you.

Ends.