Czech president pledges CZK 91 million to UN Green Climate Fund

Czech President Petr Pavel attended a UN summit in New York Monday, where he said that the organization’s path to achieving its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – established eight years ago under the 2030 Agenda – faces significant challenges, with Russia's aggression in Ukraine directly impacting progress. 

Acknowledging the Czech Republic's global responsibility, Pavel announced a commitment to provide USD 4 million (around CZK 91 million) to the UN Green Climate Fund between 2024 and 2027 to assist developing nations. This decision has already been approved by the Czech government, reaffirming their dedication to sustainability.

This commitment also aligns with the Czech government's promise to support the fight against climate change in developing countries, which was made during last year's COP 27 summit in Egypt and subsequently approved last autumn.

Highlighting the repercussions of Russia's actions in Ukraine, Pavel emphasized that the ongoing conflict not only results in immense human suffering but also triggers substantial food and energy crises. Importantly, he stressed that this war directly hampers the realization of the SDGs.

"In order to achieve the common goal by 2030, we must urgently highlight the link between peace, security, development, climate, environment, and human rights, and place greater emphasis on peace, justice, and strong institutions," Pavel concluded in his roughly five-minute address.

During the SDG summit, Pavel spoke as a representative of the group of 46 countries known as “Pathfinders.” He underscored that nations must undertake significant efforts to achieve the SDGs, pointing out that inequality within and between countries has surged dramatically since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda. He described the current global situation as one marked by a "flood of overlapping crises."

Other notable speakers at the summit included European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, as well as the presidents of Palau, Sierra Leone, and Cuba.

In 2015, the United Nations' member states collectively established 17 SDGs aimed at addressing various critical issues, including poverty, hunger, violence, climate change, and socioeconomic equity. However, progress toward these goals has been slower than anticipated, with UN officials estimating that less than a fifth of the goals are currently on track for achievement.

Pavel's commitment to supporting the SDGs, despite the challenging geopolitical environment, underscores the importance of international cooperation and solidarity in pursuing a more sustainable and equitable future for all.