IIED's video: LDC reflections of 2020: climate action ambition and the path forward

This IIED Debates online event on Thursday, 28 January heard perspectives and reflections on 2020 and priorities for 2021 with climate leaders from the least developed countries. 2020 was supposed to be a ‘super year’ for climate policy. Instead, the year was turned upside down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. High-level meetings and international conventions that were due to advance ambition and lead to climate commitments were postponed or adapted. At the same time, countries focused efforts on COVID-recovery, creating opportunities to enhance action for people, climate and nature. So, how did the world fare in terms of advancing climate action? Reflecting on 2020's major diplomatic moments, this event explored whether expectations were met for climate action, nationally determined contributions, long-term strategies and climate finance delivery. The speakers were Cecilia Silva Bernardo, director for cooperation of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Environment of the Republic of Angola; Gladys Habu, UNICEF Pacific supporter and a pharmacist; Motsomi Maletjane, who leads the LDC Expert Group (LEG) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) Unit of the UNFCCC secretariat; Huw Davies, deputy lead negotiator for the UK COP26 presidency team; and Brianna Craft, senior researcher in the Climate Change research group of the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED). The event was moderated by Andrew Norton, director of IIED. More details: https://www.iied.org/ldc-reflections-2020-climate-action-ambition-path-forward