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The Briefing on Conclusions of the Paris Summit for a New Global Financial Pact Geneva, 11 July 2023

Statement

by

Mr. Amir AKHLAGHI

Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran

On

Negative Impacts Unilateral Coercive Measures on the ability of nations to effectively protect their wetland ecosystems and implement conservation measures

Before

The Briefing on Conclusions of the Paris Summit for a New Global Financial Pact

Geneva, 11 July 2023

بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم

Thank you Mr. Chairman for giving me the floor.

First of all, I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to France for hosting the Paris Summit for a New Global Financial Pact and I wish to convey my sincere appreciation for the insightful presentations delivered by the esteemed representatives of the international organizations.

Climate change, a pressing global concern, poses significant challenges to the safeguarding of wetlands, combatting desertification, and mitigating its effects, while also requiring urgent adaptation measures. The unilateral imposition of economic restrictions, such as Unilateral Coercive Measures (UCM), limiting access to essential resources, funding, and technology, hinders the ability of nations to effectively protect their wetland ecosystems and implement conservation measures. These obstacles not only impede the collective fight against desertification but also create difficulties in obtaining necessary support and resources for sustainable land management practices and adaptation efforts. Moreover, the adverse economic impacts resulting from these restrictions can undermine nations' capacity to address climate change, including investments in renewable energy and other vital mitigation and adaptation strategies. It is imperative for the international community to recognize the detrimental consequences of such unilateral actions and seek alternative approaches that foster environmental protection, sustainable development, and resilience against climate change on a global scale.

The global community must urgently explore mechanisms that exempt environmental protection, climate change mitigation, and adaptation initiatives from the adverse impacts of economic restrictions. By finding ways to ensure that crucial issues, including wetland preservation, desertification control, and climate change adaptation, are not hindered by economic barriers, nations worldwide can effectively pursue conservation efforts, sustainable practices, and adaptive measures without unnecessary impediments. Prioritizing environmental preservation, supporting sustainable development, and enhancing adaptive capacity will empower us to collectively build a better and more resilient future for all, addressing the global concerns of climate change and its far-reaching consequences.