By: Mohamed Jalloh
At the United Nations General assembly 78th session, President Bio has sought for equitable and timely climate change financing for Sierra Leone, which is considered among the top countries that are prone to climate change disasters.
“Sierra Leone seeks equitable and timely access to climate financing. There must be unfettered access to leverage new climate change adaptation and mitigation technologies and shared knowledge. Our salvation from the escalating climate change crisis lies in collective wisdom and concerted efforts”, president Bio said.
He said the world`s collective pursuit of sustainable development confronts the triple planetary crises of pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss and despite contributing minimally to these crises, Sierra Leone remains intensely vulnerable to their repercussions, a reality compounded by the country`s limited capacity to cope.
President Bio said meaningful inclusion and inter-generational dialogue are crucial to achieving SDG 13.
“As the global community has recognized Climate Change as an existential threat to international peace and security, we welcome the Secretary-General’s convening of the Climate Action Summit and the multidimensional approach adopted to address Climate Change”, president Bio noted.
He stated that Sierra Leone National Adaptation Plan, launched in 2018, stands as an embodiment of the country`s commitment which is designed to halve the country`s vulnerability by 2030,noting further that it underscores risk awareness, regulatory enhancements, institutional empowerment, and gender-responsive adaptation strategies.
According to president Bio,the Nairobi Declaration at the Africa Climate Summit in early September is pivotal in global collective efforts, because it firmly renews commitment to global climate action and sustainable development, infusing it with a distinctive African character.
“We call on the international community to prioritize humanity’s economic and ecological needs for sustainable growth and development”, president Bio advices.
He reminded the august body that Sierra Leone has signed, and the country eagerly anticipates the ratification and subsequent entry into force of the marine biodiversity Agreement to usher in a new era of marine environmental protection, fair and equitable use of ocean resources.