Speech by UNDP Resident Representative Ms. Louise Chamberlain

Meeting with the Diplomatic Corps on the NDC Presentation

Representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic,

Excellencies Ambassadors, and Heads of international organizations

Distinguished Officials and Experts,

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Good morning to you all. I am delighted to speak today at the event devoted to the presentation of Nationally Determined Contributions on behalf of the United Nations Development Programme.

We are just several days away from the Climate Summit in Glasgow, an event postponed for a year due to the pandemic sweeping across the globe. Despite the global crisis, countries increasingly realize the importance of uniting the world in tackling climate change. The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, referring to climate change as a ‘code red for humanity’ has called on world leaders for ‘decisive action now to avert climate catastrophe’.  A recent UNFCCC report indicates that a 45 per cent cut in emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by mid-century are needed in order to limit the temperature rise to 1.5 degrees. But at this time, current commitments by countries imply an increase emissions. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has indicated that the 1.5-degree goal is still within reach, but will require a dramatic improvement in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) from most countries. The commitment of Kyrgyzstan to keeping emissions low therefore has global significance.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are country action plans to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and to adapt to the adverse effects of climate change; this will help to achieve the Paris Agreement goal, and each country is putting in place the necessary policies, measures, institutional and financial resources to achieve the goals of their NDCs.

Today we welcome and commend the adoption of the significantly enhanced NDCs by the government of the Kyrgyz Republic, representing the country’s commitment to contribute in the reduction of global warming for the years to come. We take note of the indication by President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Mr. Sadyr Japarov, at the 76th session of the UN General Assembly that Kyrgyzstan will aim for carbon neutrality by 2050.

And we appreciate the leadership of the newly established Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision for leading the NDC process through the final stages in a participatory and inclusive process including not only representatives of all parts of government and the presidential administration, but also academia, civil society and the private sector.

UNDP has had the privilege to provide technical assistance to the process of reviewing and setting more ambitious NDC. We have done so with the understanding that the NDCs are among the most important actions to make Kyrgyzstan eligible for accessing international climate finance to transform toward a green economy. This opens unprecedented opportunity for unlocking economic and social benefits and accel­erating structural transformations for sustainable development.  

UNDP’s support was made possible under UNDP’s global Climate Promise initiative, with funding from the NDC partnership and the government of Sweden , and globally we have provided similar support to 76 countries who are increasing their level ambition ahead of COP 26.

Let me also add my voice in appreciating the contributions of partners in the international community to the climate agenda.  We acknowledge partners who have significantly enriched the NDCs on land use and agriculture component with innovative tools – GIZ with support of BMZ, IFAD and FAO. With support of International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) the NDC increased the mitigation targets through the deployment of renewables, which are becoming more promising in Kyrgyzstan. 

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

As we hear the presentation today of the country’s climate commitment, let me highlight three key messages on the policy direction that the NDCs represent:

The first is that the NDC implementation plan carries significant co-benefits such as improved food security and brings the country closer to achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. For example, reduced vulnerability to extreme weather events; better air quality and public health by reducing pollution from dirty energy; and lower burden of climate-related disasters. The NDCs represent the long-term vision and plans of the Kyrgyz Republic to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030 – implementing the measures involve significant opportunities for strengthening risk-informed, inclusive and resilient development.

Secondly, transitioning to a low carbon economy will create new jobs through the expansion of the domestic renewable energy sector. Now green projects, and the promotion of green technologies in particular, require the adoption of conducive policies as well as initial subsidies. It will be therefore important that development partners follow through on their promises to assist Kyrgyzstan’s transition.

My third key message is that the NDCs identify and emphasize adaptation measures in the agriculture and water sectors among the top priorities, in order to address the country’s vulnerability to climate impacts, but it also carries significant potential in the future for reducing the risks of natural resource-based conflicts and the impacts of natural disasters.

There are also challenges in implementation, and let me briefly mention three:

Making use of this opportunity to promote inclusive decision-making processes, creating voice and opportunity for the active engagement of youth and women, as well as the equal inclusion of marginalized groups;

Enhancing awareness of climate risks, in the public administration and among the general population, so as to increase the acceptability of national policy. A careful balance needs to be struck in developing an understanding of the seriousness of the climate threats facing the country, without playing into alarmist narrative – the message has to be that successful reform is possible, and has a win-win profile.

And third, success on the climate agenda requires governments to lead and provide strong incentives for businesses to invest and innovate; and for society to come together in solving the climate crisis. 

In closing, the aim of the COP 26 to keep global warming below 2 degrees could be the world’s biggest opportunity to create a more sustainable world for all. As development partners, let us help Kyrgyzstan access the resources and opportunities needed to deliver on the promise of a green and inclusive socioeconomic recovery. UNDP will continue supporting the efforts of all stakeholders in the Kyrgyz Republic to implement these measures and transition successfully to sustainable, low-carbon and climate resilient development.

Thank you!