STATEMENT BY THE RT HON. PRIME MINISTER
OF THE KINGDOM OF SWAZILAND
DR B.SIBUSISO DLAMINI
AT THE HIGH LEVEL SEGMENT OF COP 21
PARIS 7 DECEMBER 2015
Mr President
Excellencies,
Honourable Ministers
Distinguished delegates
I am honoured to address this High Level Segment of COP 21 on behalf of our Head of State, His Majesty King Mswati III. I bring greetings from His Majesty, Her Majesty the Queen Mother, and the entire Swazi Nation, who eagerly await the Paris agreement. May I also extend the Kingdom of Swaziland’s sincere condolences for the terrorist tragedy suffered recently in Paris. Our special thanks to the French government and its people for the excellent facilities and hospitality we have received.
The Kingdom of Swaziland takes note of the efforts of many countries in submitting targets or Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (iNDCs) as a first step towards a worthy Paris Agreement. We are concerned, however, that these will not be sufficient to keep the average global temperature increase below
2 degrees Celsius. This spells climate change-related disasters, especially for developing countries, most of which, like Swaziland, have a tiny carbon footprint but are especially vulnerable. The impact of climate change in Swaziland is already alarmingly visible. We have one of the driest rainfall seasons in decades, which is having dire consequences for food production, availability of potable water and the survival of the country’s ecosystems, in particular livestock.
To be credible, the mitigation targets for the developed countries within the Paris Agreement have to be time-bound, quantified and measurable. The Kingdom of Swaziland, as a developing country, has submitted its iNDC, which is ambitious, aiming to double the share of renewable energy in the energy mix, from 16% to 32% while projecting to completely phase out HFCs by 2030. This depends entirely on resource support being available. Our commitment to reduce poverty demands a balanced approach to phasing out use of low-cost fossil fuels.
Swaziland also calls for adaptation that is linked to mitigation because, if we do not adapt, survival under the impact of climate change remains almost impossible.
We also urge the developed countries to honour their pledge of US$100 billion dollars per year of assistance to developing countries by 2020.
All countries must participate and, indeed, recognise the role being played by countries like the Republic of China (Taiwan), that has passed its Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act, while giving substantial bilateral support. We hope that it will soon be possible for that country to participate in this multilateral process, at the least as an official observer.
Mr. President,
We share the world. We must share the commitment to save it. Above all we must break out of the live now, pay later syndrome. The same world expects a Paris agreement that is ambitious and legally binding, dealing equitably while achieving objectives. It must target an average global temperature increase of not more than 1.5 degrees Celsius. A convincing leadership is expected from developed countries in accordance with the Convention. The Doha amendments must be operationalised.
Recent surveys show the public in many countries losing interest in climate change action. Or is that losing hope? We must bury the disappointment of the Copenhagen saga and create a comprehensive and robust commitment that will give rise to a reversal of this downward spiral of global climate change.
I wish for fruitful deliberations, and a credible Paris Agreement that represents an honourable legacy to future generations.
Thank you.