COP27: Light of Accountability Must Illuminate Our Entire Process, Says Stiell

United Nations Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell said that policymakers need to take many actions, not only to put climate change at the heart of their international agendas but also to ensure accountability every step of the way.

In his remarks at COP27, Stiell urged parliamentarians to ensure climate plans are followed, that action filters down to the regional and local level, and that everyone is doing what they promise to do.

"This directly aligns with our efforts at COP27 and the Egyptian Presidency has recognized that this is a core component of the road head: one that cuts across all issues, both within and outside the governmental process," Stiell stated.

He continued: "It goes beyond the mechanisms and procedures that underpin accountability among parties and can potentially involve the entire range of commitments and actions taking place in the privet sector,".

"Because while much ultimate responsibility for achieving net-zero emissions remains with governments, there is an urgent need for other stakeholders to step up their commitments and actions, including businesses, investors, cities, states, and regions," he noted.

According to Stiell, that was at the heart of the message the UN Chief delivered, last week when he launched the report of the high-level expert group on Net Zero commitments. 

"Government or private sector commitments to net zero cannot be a mere public relation exercise."

Stiell also affirmed that the light of transparency and accountability must illuminate our entire process, adding that the agenda of all national and local governments, of all communities and regions, must make the highest contribution possible to global efforts against climate change.