The pandemic has affected UN climate change and sustainable development processes, with implications for the implementation of the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda

The year 2020 saw little progress in United Nations (UN) climate negotiations owing to COVID-19. Climate diplomacy moved to informal discussions held in virtual mode, whereas COP26 and the sessions of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) subsidiary bodies were postponed until 2021. A number of Parties announced their new targets and measures, yet the estimated emission reductions resulting from their implementation fall far short of what is required to achieve a target well below 2°C.

The fulfilment of developed countries’ commitments on critical issues such as climate finance would be required for all countries to be able to enhance their mitigation action and reduce vulnerability to the harmful effects of climate change. Intense negotiations are expected in Glasgow, Scotland, beginning on 31 October 2021, for Parties to resolve outstanding negotiation issues required for the full operationalization of the Paris Agreement.

With the pandemic having undermined years of development efforts, progress made on the implementation of a number Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has either stalled or reversed. The world is still short of achieving universal energy access. Eradication of energy poverty should, therefore, remain an overarching goal for resilient and sustainable development. International cooperation and solidarity are more important than ever. The central principle of the 2030 Agenda – to leave no one behind – must be kept at the heart of efforts toward achieving all SDGs.