Umbrella Group
SBI 43 – Closing Statement
Mr Chair
I have the privilege to speak on behalf of the Umbrella Group of
countries.
2013-15 Review
Positive progress was made at this session on a number of issues.
However the Umbrella Group is disappointed that after over two
years of consideration, Parties were unable to even agree a way to
communicate outcomes of the 2013-2015 Review to the COP.
We valued the meaningful exchanges that took place in conducting
the Review, especially the valuable forum it provided for Parties to
learn about – and exchange views on – the findings of the IPCC’s
Fifth Assessment Report. We would like to thank the co-chairs of
the Joint Contact Group and the co-facilitators of the Structured
Expert Dialogue for their efforts and their reports. We must
conclude this important work in Paris as mandated.
Response measures
We are pleased with the positive step that Parties are taking in
forwarding the draft decision on response measures for
consideration by the COP. We look forward to finalizing this text for
adoption and achieving the successful outcome on response
measures that all Parties seek.
Transparency/Multilateral Assessment
Umbrella Group countries were pleased to finalise the first round of
International Assessment and Review with the last two countries to
undergo Multilateral Assessment.
We look forward to engaging constructively in the Facilitative
Sharing of Views and considering the technical analysis of Biennial
Update Reports (BUR) at SBI44.
We again urge countries that have not yet submitted their BURs
due in December 2014 to do so as soon as possible. This is critical
to building trust and improving transparency.
We look forward to continuing to work with Parties to update the
Annex I National Communication guidelines in time for their
adoption at Marrakesh to allow timely submission of the next round
of reports.
Adaptation
We welcome the strong collaboration between the Adaptation
Committee and Least Developed Countries’ Expert Group (LEG).
We are pleased decisions for extending the mandate of the LEG
will be sent to the COP.
The Umbrella Group applauds the additional contribution of around
$250 million to the Global Environment Facility’s Least Developed
Countries Fund – made by Parties on the opening day of the COP.
These funds will support LDCs to reduce their vulnerability and
improve adaptation. This is yet another example that finance is
flowing and that we are meeting our obligations towards the 100
billion dollar goal.
We welcome the conclusion on National Adaptation Plans and we
look forward to the Adaptation Committee continuing work under
its 2016 to 2018 workplan.
Umbrella Group countries welcome the first report of the Executive
Committee of the Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and
Damage. We look forward to seeing the Mechanism build
momentum as it moves through its work.
Capacity building
We were disappointed with the process of the capacity building
item. We remain hopeful progress can be made on this important
issue.
Gender
Umbrella Group countries are strongly committed to empowering
women, and strengthening gender equality and promoting genderresponsive climate policies under the UNFCCC. We welcome
progress made on gender this year.
Mr Chair, we have made constructive progress at this session
despite the limited time and would like to thank you for your efforts.