Outgoing Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo urged participants in the 29th UN Climate Summit (COP29) in Azerbaijan on Tuesday to ensure that no one is left behind in the area of climate policy.
De Croo emphasised using all available resources, advocating for a policy of “more” – more growth, more cooperation, more innovation, and more investments – but in a manner that is affordable and accessible for everyone, with the aim of achieving a just transition.
That transition, according to De Croo, must occur at both international and national levels. Internationally, it must ensure that the rules are fair. In that regard, Belgium and the European Union will step up efforts to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of the economy, the Belgian Prime Minister said.
At the national level, De Croo aims to create high-quality jobs and ensure that no one is left behind. Citizens will only buy electric vehicles and insulate their homes if that is economically viable, he said.
The summit focuses primarily on establishing a new goal for climate financing, the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG). De Croo stressed the importance of prioritising the needs of the least developed and most vulnerable countries while also acknowledging the necessity of private funding.
In 2023, Belgium allocated €247.9 million for climate financing, primarily as grants to the least developed countries. Additionally, under the leadership of the federal government and the guidance of Development Cooperation Minister Frank Vandenbroucke, another €490 million in private financing was mobilised.
The Belgian Prime Minister also delivered a message of hope. Although current policies place the world on course for a 3°C rise in global warming by the end of the century, De Croo highlighted the significant progress made compared to a decade ago, noting that a strong majority now supports the path towards net-zero emissions.
Despite the considerable work ahead, he urged humanity to find inspiration in the achievements made so far rather than succumb to despair.
