As COP29 Azerbaijan concludes, Razan Al Mubarak reflects on her tenure as UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, a journey that has been both transformative and rewarding:
“It has been an honor to serve as a steadfast advocate for aligning global climate and biodiversity goals, and to champion the recognition of Nature-Based Solutions as critical tools for mitigating and adapting to climate change.”
Throughout this journey, Ms. Al Mubarak’s focus has been on ensuring inclusivity in climate negotiations, advocating for the inclusion of women, Indigenous Peoples, and other underrepresented groups. The progress made is evident, especially with the UAE Consensus reached at COP28, which for the first time recognized the need to implement the Paris Agreement and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework together.
A significant milestone achieved at COP29 was the renewal of the mandate for the UN Climate Change High-Level Champions, extending their work through 2030. This decision, made by all parties a year before the original mandate was set to expire, underscores the importance of sustained high-level engagement in driving voluntary efforts, initiatives, and coalitions under the Marrakech Partnership. It ensures that the critical work of fostering collaboration among non-state actors, scaling up climate ambition, and integrating nature-based solutions will continue through the decade.
The alignment of these goals has gained unstoppable momentum, and Ms. Al Mubarak is encouraged by the growing support for integrating nature goals into Nationally Determined Contributions and climate action plans:
“As we move forward, it is essential that these plans align with obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity to maximize the benefits of nature-climate strategies.”
The collective efforts of non-state actors, including the private sector, civil society, and local authorities, have been instrumental in driving ambitious climate action. Initiatives like the Ocean Breakthroughs and Mangrove Breakthroughs, developed under the Marrakech Partnership, have made incredible strides and will continue to shape the future of climate and nature integration.
“Inclusion has been at the core of everything we do, and it has been a privilege to champion the voices of Indigenous Peoples, women, and local communities. One key initiative I am especially proud of is the Global Data Study on Indigenous Peoples’ Climate Contributions, which will be presented at COP30, providing invaluable insight into the role Indigenous Peoples play in biodiversity and climate resilience.”
Looking ahead, Ms. Al Mubarak remains deeply optimistic about the path paved together and the progress made:
“I look forward to seeing these initiatives continue to flourish as we approach COP30 in Belém, Brazil, and beyond. Our journey is far from over, and together, we will continue to advance the climate and nature agenda for a sustainable future.”