In a compelling address at the 13th Global Baku Forum, Salaheddine Mezouar, who served as Morocco's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation from 2013 to 2017 and presided over COP22, underscored the necessity for global collaboration in the face of climate change. The forum, which focused on the theme "Bridging Divides in a World in Transition," provided a platform for discussing the pressing challenges posed by climate change and the importance of maintaining effective international processes.
Mezouar emphasized that the discourse surrounding climate change has evolved beyond merely negotiating commitments; it now centers on ensuring that the mechanisms for addressing these challenges remain robust and functional. He highlighted the growing fragmentation of the global landscape and the increasing pressures on multilateralism, stating, "Today, the issue is not only about negotiating climate commitments, but also about ensuring that the process itself remains effective. The world is becoming increasingly fragmented, and multilateralism is under pressure."
In his remarks, Mezouar pointed out that the Conference of the Parties (COP) represents one of the last universal platforms for global cooperation, where all nations can come together to discuss and address climate issues. He asserted, "The main process is universal: all countries still sit at the same table. In today's world, this universality is more important than ever. Climate change is a global challenge. And these challenges require global cooperation."
Furthermore, he discussed the consensus-based nature of the COP system, which, while providing legitimacy and ensuring that every nation has a voice, also presents challenges. He noted that achieving unanimity can slow down decision-making processes, which is a critical aspect of climate action. To counter this issue, Mezouar suggested that "coalitions of the willing" could be formed to expedite climate initiatives. He explained, "These coalitions can act faster — from commitments to implementation. However, they should not replace the COP process. Their task is to support it and cooperate within the existing system."
As reported by trend.az.
