Climate Debt Reconciliation – Towards Global Climate Justice and Accountability

Resolution on Climate Debt Reconciliation – Towards Global Climate Justice and Accountability

Sponsors: African Union, Middle East Union, Latin American Union

Signatories: South East Asian Union, North Atlantic Union

The Federal Senate of the United World Federation,

Expressing appreciation to members for their commitment to addressing climate change through the Paris Agreement and their contributions to climate finance and adaptation strategies,

Acknowledging the historical responsibility of developed nations in contributing to the climate crisis and the disproportionate burden carried by developing and vulnerable countries,

Alarmed by the continued escalation of climate-related disasters, including extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and food insecurity, which are devastating 

vulnerable populations, especially in the Global South,

Deeply concerned by the financial and developmental challenges that many underdeveloped countries face due to the impacts of climate change, and the urgent need for equitable climate finance and support for climate adaptation and mitigation,

Pointing out the inadequacies in current climate finance mechanisms, which fail to address the full extent of loss and damage suffered by developing countries and the insufficient progress towards fulfilling the financial commitments made in previous COP negotiations,

Strongly urging for all necessary and practical measures to ensure climate debt reconciliation, promote global climate justice, and hold accountable those most responsible for climate impacts, 

1. Calls for the formal acknowledgement of the concept of Climate Debt by all nations,

particularly developed countries, recognising their historical role in greenhouse gas

emissions and the financial obligations owed to developing countries due to the

impacts of climate change;

2. Proposes the establishment of a Global Climate Reparations Fund:

1. to be managed by an independent international body, that ensures developing countries and communities suffering from loss and damage due to climate change are compensated and supported in building resilience.

2. to be funded from contributions by developed nations, international corporations, and other major polluters;

3. Recommends the adoption of Debt-for-Climate Swaps and debt relief programs for countries severely impacted by climate change, allowing nations to direct the funds that would otherwise be used to pay off debts towards sustainable climate adaptation and mitigation projects;

4. Urges developed countries to fulfil their commitment to mobilise $100 billion per year for climate finance, prioritising direct access to climate finance for vulnerable nations without excessive conditions or bureaucratic barriers;

5. Encourages the prioritisation of localised adaptation programs that are community-driven and tailored to the unique needs of affected regions, with an emphasis on empowering local governments, Indigenous peoples, and marginalised groups;

6. Proposes the establishment of an independent body to monitor the implementation of climate finance pledges, ensuring accountability and transparency in the distribution and usage of funds;

7. Calls for the inclusion of youth, women, and Indigenous communities in climate policy negotiations and decision-making processes, ensuring that their voices are heard in shaping global responses to the climate crisis;

8. Reaffirms the importance of multilateral action in tackling climate change, with a focus on equity, justice, and the shared responsibility of all nations in achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement.

Kennedy Karanja