U.N. Chief Calls for ASEAN to Address Climate Change

On Thursday, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted the need for a debt workout mechanism to aid in global climate financing during a press conference in Jakarta.

In his remarks, Guterres urged ASEAN's leadership to promote climate justice, as the region is particularly vulnerable to climate change. Despite commitments from various countries, none of the funds have been disbursed due to disagreements over investment projects and financing mechanisms.

He also called for greater ambition, support, and resources, as well as an effective debt workout mechanism to aid developing countries strangled by debt. He also urged reform of the global financial architecture to address growing inequalities and climate actions.

Furthermore, the UN Chief affirmed the need for a Climate Solidarity Pact among the Group of 20 economies and a cooperative "acceleration agenda" to address climate change.

At the end of the conference, Guterres praised the Just Energy Transition Partnerships in Indonesia and Vietnam, which received pledges from developed nations and international financial institutions to transition from coal power plants to clean energy.