2023-06-22 11:26:00
At the start of a summit for a new global financial pact, French President Emmanuel Macron called for climate protection and the fight against poverty to be tackled at the same time. “No country should have to choose between reducing poverty and protecting the planet,” Macron said in Paris on Thursday. In view of rising inequality, Macron insisted on significantly more public and private funds for this. So far, not enough has been done in both areas.
“Without the private sector, we will not be able to meet this challenge,” warned the French head of state. At the meeting initiated by Macron, representatives from over 100 countries, international development banks and aid organizations wanted to discuss a more solidarity-based financial system on Thursday and Friday. No binding decisions were to be made at the two-day summit, but guidance was expected on how to bridge the growing gap between the industrialized countries and the countries of the Global South, which are particularly affected by the consequences of climate change. Topics are the debt relief of these countries and the necessary investments there to cope with global warming.
reform of the financial system
As Macron said before the meeting, it is about reforming the financial system with the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and public and private funds to address the twin challenges of poverty and climate change.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said at the meeting that the list of things that can be done is long. One does not have to wait for a major reform, but can take action now and take a giant step towards global justice.
“Opportunities of green transformation”
Labor and Economics Minister Martin Kocher represents Chancellor Karl Nehammer (both ÖVP) at the summit. “In order to combat climate change effectively, not only public investment is required, but also decisive incentives for private capital,” said Kocher on Thursday, according to the broadcast. “By creating a framework that encourages private companies to develop and finance sustainable solutions, we can unlock the full potential of entrepreneurship and innovation. Because ultimately, it is the combination of government support and private sector engagement that drives us will pave the way for a successful transformation in the future. By promoting investments in green technologies and sustainable infrastructure while creating incentives, we can not only preserve the environment, but also seize the opportunities of the green transformation in terms of economic growth and job opportunities,” said Kocher.
Ugandan climate activist Vanessa Nakate urged delegations to keep in mind the people affected by climate change. She also said: “Development does not need fossil fuels, development needs energy.” Those responsible for pollution should be asked to pay. (apa, dpa)
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