Czech president to champion greener policies at UN climate summit

President Petr Pavel will represent Czechia at an upcoming UN summit on sustainability and the climate in the U.S., the Ministry of the Environment confirmed Wednesday.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Summit and the Climate Ambition Summit are scheduled to take place in New York from Sept. 18 to 20, attracting global leaders and policymakers committed to tackling pressing environmental and social challenges.

One of the focal points of Pavel's address will be the transition away from coal and toward renewable energy sources. Environment Minister Petr Hladík emphasized the importance of this shift, highlighting it as a key element of the president's agenda.

"The Czech Republic will be a constructive partner in global efforts to protect the climate. The government will strive to mitigate the effects of climate change and contribute to the achievement of climate neutrality in the EU by 2050," said Hladík, echoing the government's policy statement.

In addition to climate-related commitments, the Czech government has pledged to ensure better alignment of all national policies with the implementation of their commitments under the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This signifies a holistic approach to sustainable development, encompassing not only environmental concerns but also social and economic considerations.

Furthermore, the Czech government is fulfilling its international climate finance commitments. During the COP27 summit in Egypt the previous year, Prime Minister Petr Fiala pledged that the Czech Republic would renew its contributions to the Green Climate Fund. In line with this commitment, the government approved a contribution of one million dollars per year for the period from 2024 to 2027.

The 2030 Agenda, comprising 17 SDGs, serves as a global action plan to promote economic and social prosperity while addressing environmental protection. At the conclusion of the SDG Summit, participating nations will adopt a joint declaration reaffirming their commitment to achieving these vital goals.

Pavel's presentation at the upcoming UN summits underscores the country's dedication to combating climate change and fostering sustainable development. These commitments align with the government's policy statement and reflect the Czech Republic's willingness to be an active partner in global efforts to protect the environment and achieve the SDGs.